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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


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Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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n 
n 


D 
D 
D 
D 

D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommag6e 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  et/ou  pellicul^e 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


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Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

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r~~|    Coloured  pages/ 


□ 


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Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pellicul6es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Page:-:  dicolordes,  tachetdes  ou  piqu6es 


D 
D 


Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachdes 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


.    Quality  of  print  varies/ 
ilJ    Quality  in^gale  de  I'impression 


D 
D 
D 


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Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

7 

12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

aire 

(  details 
|ues  du 
t  modifier 
iger  une 
}  filmage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

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filming  contract  specifications. 


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ginirositA  de: 

Thomas  Fisher  Rare  Book  Library, 
University  of  Toronto  Library 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  iti  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  natteti  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


/ 
ties 


ire 


ly  errata 
ed  to 

nt 

ne  pelure, 

icon  d 


32X 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  uach  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  larfje  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


1 

2 

3 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  film^s  en  commencant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soil  par  la 
derniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film^s  en  commencant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ^-  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmis  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film6  A  partir 
de  Tangle  sup^rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nicessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

■■^-"%3ri- 


►s.wUH.r'''     -."S,*^ 


J 


(L) 


WACOUSTA: 


oa. 


THE     PROPHECY 


AN    INDIAN   TALE. 


*  ▼ongMinee  ta  Mill  aliTe ;  firon  her  dark  eoveit, 
Wtth  all  her  enakea  erect  upun  her  crest, 
■le  aulka  In  view,  and  fires  ma  with  her  eharaa.** 

Tub  Rbvjmb 


BY  MAJOR  RICHARDSON, 

ftCTHOR   or  "HARDSCRABILB,"  "fiCARTft,**  4l* 

NEW  YORK: 

POLLAED    &    MOSS, 

47  JOHN  STREET. 
1889. 


..**^«***^ 


Tmi 

OfWAC 

none  w 
open  to 
thin  iuti 
Astb 
this  sto: 
Novelist 
read  an 
was  Bug 
founded, 
ised  my 
Itis^ 
country 
France, '. 
a  federat 
establish 
following 
tion.    In 
with  the 
ol  snrreii 
more  nob 
turn,  sev 
I>etroit  a 
all  the  ii 
(tron^hol 


L-A 


J 


INTRODUCTION. 


This  Ohapter,  written  eighteen  years  subsequent  to  the  original  publicatioa 
of  Wacoubta  in  London,  will  be  found  unavoidably  replete  with  egotism.  By 
none  will  it  be  more  readily  pronounced  such  than  by  those  who  are  most 
open  to  the  charge  themselves.  Without  its  exercise,  however,  the  object  of 
this  introduction  would  not  be  gained. 

As  the  reader  may  be  curious  to  know  on  what  basis,  and  in  what  manner 
this  story  (of  which  I  have  certainly  robbed  that  first  of  vigorous  American 
Novelists— the  "  Last  of  the  Mohicans"  Cooper — which  tale,  albeit  I  have  never 
read  a  novel  by  another  author  twice,  I  have  absolutely  devoured  three  times,) 
WM  suggested  to  me,  and  on  what  particular  portions  of  History  the  story  is 
founded,  I  am  not  aware  that  this  introductory  Chapter,  which  I  have  prom 
ised  my  Publishers,  can  be  better  devoted  than  to  the  explanatica. 

It  is  well  known  to  every  man  conversant  with  the  earlier  History  of  this 
country  that,  shortly  subsequent  to  the  cession  of  the  Canadas  to  England  by 
France,  Ponteac  the  great  Head  of  the  Indian  race  of  that  period,  had  formed 
a  federation  of  the  various  tribes,  threatening  extermination  to  the  British  post! 
established  along  the  Western  Frontier.  These  were  nine  in  number,  %dA  the 
following  stratagem  was  resorted  to  by  the  artful  chief  to  efifecx  their  reduo- 
tion.  Investing  one  fort  with  his  warriors,  so  as  to  cut  off  all  communication 
with  the  otbers,  and  to  leave  no  hope  of  succor,  his  practice  waf/  to  offer  terms 
ol  (surrender  which  never  were  kept  in  the  honorable  spirit  in  which  the  far 
more  noble  and  generous  Tecumseh  always  acted  with  his  enemies,  and  thus  in 
turn,  seven  of  these  outposts  fell  victims  to  their  confidence  in  his  truth. 
Detroit  and  Michillimackinac,  or  Mackinaw  as  it  is  now  called,  remained,  and 
all  the  ingenuity  of  the  Chieftain  was  directed  to  the  possession  of  these 
lirongholds.    The  following  plan,  well  worthy  of  his  invention,  was  at  length 


.  \ 


\y  INTBODUCTIOX. 

determined  upon.    During  a  temporary  truce,  and  while,  Ponteac  was  hold 
iit^  forth  proposals  for  an  ultimate  and  durable  peace,  a  ball  playing  was  ar 
ranged  by  him  to  take  place  simultaneously,  on  the  common  or  clearing  ot 
whiiih  rested  the  forts  of  MichiliimackaTiac  and  Detroit.  The  better  to  aosom 
pUflh  their  oljoct,  the  guns  of  the  warriors  had  beer  cut  short  and  jriven  to  *hoir 
H  omen  who  were  mstructed  to  conceal  them  under  their  blankets,  and  during 
the  game,  and  seeuiintrly  without  design,  to  approach  the  drawbridge  of 
ihy  fort.    This  precaution  taken,  the  players  were  to  approach  and  throw 
uvcr  their  ball,  pc-rmistiion  to  regain  which  they  presumed  would  not  be  de- 
nied.   On  approaching  the  drawbridge;  they  were  with  fierce  yells  to  mako 
a  f,cneral  rush,  and,  securing  the  arms  coii«;ealed  by  the  women,  to  massacre 
the  unprepared  garrison.     The  day  was  fixrtd— the  game  commenced,  and 
was  proceeded  with  in  the  manner  previouslj'  arranged.    The  ball  was  dex- 
terously hurled  into  the  fort,  and  permission  afikcd  to  recover  it.    It  was 
grunted.    The  drawbridge  was  lowered,  and  the  Indians  dashed  forward  fur 
the  accomplishment  of  their  work  of  blood.    How  different  the  result  in  the 
two  garrisons !    At  Detroit,  Ponteac  vnd  his  warriors  had  scarcely  crossed  the 
drtiwbridge  when  to  their  astonishment  and  disappointment,  they  beheld  the 
guns  of  the  ramparts  depressed — the  artillerymen  with  lighted  matches  at 
their  posts  and  covering  the  little  garrison,  composed  of  a  few  companies  of 
the  42d  Highlanders,  who  were  also  under  arms,  and  so  distributed  as  to  take 
the  enemy  most  at  an  advantage.     Sullenly  they  withdrew,  and  without 
other  indication  of  their  purpose  than  what  had  been  expressed  in  their  man- 
ner, and  carried  off  the  missing  ball.    Their  design  had  been  discovered  and 
made  known  by  means  of  significant  warnings  to  the  Governor  by  an  Indian 
woman  who  owed  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  his  family,  and  was  resolved,  at  aU 
hazards,  to  save  them.    On  the  same  day  the  same  artifice  was  resorted  to  at 
Michillimackina^,  and  with  the  most  complete  success.    There  was  no  guardian 
angel  there  to  warn  them  of  danger,  and  all  fell  beneath  the  rifle,  the  toma- 
hawk, the  war-club,  and  the  knife,  one  or  two  of  the  traders — a  Mi*.  Henry 
among  the  rest — alone  excepted. 

It  was  not  long  after  this  event,  when  the  head  of  '.he  military  authorities 
in  theX!olony,  apprised  of  the  fate  of  these  defeated  posts,  and  made  acquainted 
with  the  perilous  condition  of  Fort  Detroit,  which  was  then  reduced  to  the 
Just  extremity,  sought  an  officer  who  would  volunteer  the  charge  of  supplies 
from  Albany  to  Buffalo,  and  thenje  across  the  lake  to  Detroit,  which,  if  possi- 
ble, he  was  to  relieve.  That  volunteer  was  promptly  found  in  my  maternal 
grandfather,  Mr.  Erskine,  u  om  Strabane,  in  the  North  of  Ireland,  then  an  offi- 
cer in  the  Commissariat  Department.  The  tMflBculty  of  the  undertaking 
will  be  obvious  to  those  who  understand  the  danger  attending  a  journey 


INTRODUCTIOir.  y 

through  the  Wsstern  wilderness,  beset  as  tt  was  by  the  ^rarriors  of  Ponteac, 
ever  on  the  look  out  to  prevent  succor  to  the  garrison,  and  yet  the  duty  was 
BuoucSijful-y  accomplished.  He  left  Albany  with  proTiaions  and  ammunition 
Buflicient  to  fill  several  Schenectady  boats — I  think  seven — and  yet  conducted 
his  charge  with  such  prudence  and  foresight,  that  notwithstanding  the  vigi- 
lance of  Ponteac,  he  finally  and  after  long  watching  succeeded,  under  cover  of 
a  dark  and  stormy  night,  in  throwing  into  the  fort  the  Hiipplies  of  which  the 
remnant  of  the  gallant  "  Black-watch,"  as  the  42d  was  origjoially  named,  and 
a  company  of  whom,  whilti  out  reconnoitering,  had  been  massacred  at  a  spot  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  town,  thereafter  called  the  Bloody  Run,  stood  so  greatly  ii 

need.    Thia  important  sonrioe  rendered.  Mr.  ErHkine.  in  comnliance  with  lb 
Instructions  he  iriad  received,  returned  to  Albany,  where  he  n  ported  ttie  suci^*m 

of  the  expedition. 

1'he  colonial  authorities  were  not  regardless  of  his  interests.  When  the 
Ponteac  confederacy  had  been  dissolved,  and  quiet  and  security  restored 
in  that  remote  region,  large  tracts  of  land  were  granted  to  Mr.  Erskine, 
and  other  privileges  accorded  which  eventually  gave  him  the  command  of 
nearly  a  hundred  thousand  dollars — an  enormous  sum  to  have  been  realised 
at  that  early  period  of  the  country.  But  it  was  not  destined  that  ho  should 
retain  this.  T^o  great  bulk  of  .his  capital  was  expended  on  almost  the  first 
commercial  shipping  that  ever  skimmed  the  surface  of  Lakes  Huron  and  Eriei, 
Shortly  prior  to  the  Revolution,  he  was  possessed  of  seven  vessels  of  different 
tonnage,  and  the  trade  in  which  he  had  embarked,  and  of  which  he  was  the 
head,  was  rapidly  increasing  his  already  large  fortune,  when  one  of  those  au- 
tumnal hurricanes,  which  even  to  this  day  continue  to  desolate  the  waters  of 
tht  treacherous  lake  last  named,  suddenly  arose  and  buried  beneath  its  en- 
gulfing waves  not  less  than  six  of  these  schooners  laden  with  such  riches, 
chiefly  furs,  of  the  West,  as  then  were  most  an  object  of  barter.  Mr.  Erskine, 
who  had  married  the  daughter  of  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  from  France, 
and  of  a  family  well  known  in  history,  a  lady  who  had  been  in  Detroit  during 
I  the  s'cge  of  the  British  garrison  by  Ponteac,  now  abandoned  speculation,  and 
Icontenting  himself  with  the  remnant  of  his  fortune,  established  himself 
[near  the  banks  of  the  river,  within  a  short  distance  of  the  Bloody  Run.  Here 
le  continued  throughout  the  Revolution.  Early,  however,  in  the  present 
Butury,  he  quitted  Detroit  and  repaired  to  the  Canadian  shore,  where  on  a 
)roperty  nearly  opposite,  which  he  obtained  in  exchange,  and  which  in  honor 
his  native  country  he  named  Strabane — known  as  such  to  this  day— he 
i>assed  the  autumn  of  his  days.  The  last  time  I  beheld  him,  was  a  day  or 
Iwo  subsequent  to  (he  a£fair  of  the  Thames,  when  Qeneral  Harrison  and 
?oloncl  Johnson  were  temporary  inmates  of  his  dwelliitf;. 


VI 


IKTRODUCTIOy. 


My  father,  of  a  younger  branch  of  the  Annandale  family,  the  head  of  which 
was  attainted  in  the  Scottish  rebellion  of  1745,  was  an  officer  of  Siracoe's 
well-known  Rangers,  in  which  regiment,  and  about  the  same  period,  the 
present  Lord  Hardinge  commenced  his  services  in  this  country.  Being  quar- 
tered at  Fort  Erie,  he  met  and  married  at  the  house  of  one  of  the  earliest  • 
Canadian  merchants,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Erskine,  then  on  a  visit  to  her  sister, 
and  by  her  had  eight  children,  of  whom  I  am  the  oldest  and  only  survivor. 
Having  a  few  years  after  his  marriage  been  ordere«l  to  St.  Joseph's,  near 
Michillimackinac,  my  father  thought  it  expedient  to  leave  me  with  Mr.  Erskiae 
at  Detroit,  where  I  received  the  first  rudiments  of  my  education.  But  here 
I  did  not  remain  long,  for  it  was  during  the  period  of  the  stay  of  the  detach- 
ment of  Simcoe's  Rangers  at  St.  Joseph  that  Mr.  Erskine  repaired  with  hia 
family  to  the  Canadian  shore,  where  on  the  more  elevated  and  conspicuous 
part  of  his  grounds  which  are  situated  nerrly  opposite  the  foo*  of  Hog 
island,  so  repeatedly  alluded  to  m  Wacousta,  he  had  caused  a  flag-staff  to  be 
erected,  from  which  each  Sabbath  day  proudly  floated  the  colors  under  which 

hfl  had  served  and  never  could  bring  himself  to  disown.    It  was  at  Strabane 
that  the  old  lady,  with  whor:  i  was  a  great  favorite,  used  to  euchain  mj 

young  interest  by  detailing  various  facts  comected  with  the  siege  she  so  well 
remembered,  and  infused  into  me  a  longing  to  grow  up  to  manhood  that  I 
might  writ«  a  book  about  it.  The  details  of  tlie  Ponteac  plan  for  the  capture 
of  the  two  forts  were  what  she  most  enlarged  upon,  and  although  a  long  lapse 
of  years  of  absence  from  the  scene,  and  ten  thousand  incidents  of  a  higher  and 
more  immediate  importance  might  have  been  supposed  to  weaken  the  recol- 
lections of  so  early  a  period  of  life,  the  impression  has  ever  vividly  remained. 
Hence  the  first  appearance  of  Wacousta  in  London  in  1832,  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century  later.  The  story  is  founded  solely  on  the  artifice  of 
Ponteac  to  possess  himself  of  these  two  last  British  forts.  All  else  is  ima- 
ginary. 

It  is  not  a  little  curious  that  I,  only  a  few  years  subsequent  to  the  narration 
by  old  Mrs.  Erskine  of  the  daring  and  cunning  feats  of  Ponteac,  and  his  vain 
attempt  to  secure  the  fort  of  Detroit,  should  myself  have  entered  it  in  arms. 
But  it  was  so.  I  had  ever  hated  school  with  a  mo.st  bitter  hatred,  and  I 
gladly  availed  myself  of  an  offer  from  General  Brock  to  obtain  for  me  a  com- 
mission in  the  king's  service.  Meanwhile  I  did  duty  as  a  cadet  with  the  gal- 
lant 41st  regiment,  to  whom  the  English  edition  of  Wacousta  was  inscribed 
and  was  one  of  the  guard  of  honor  who  took  possession  of  the  fort.  The 
duty  of  a  sentinel  over  the  British  colors,  which  had  just  been  hoisted,  waf 
assigned  to  me,  and  I  certainly  felt  not  a  little  proud  of  the  distinction. 


IKTRODrCltON", 


I  • 

Vll 


Pivc  times,  within  half  a  century,  had  the  flag  of  that  fortress  been  changed. 
First  the  lily  of  France,  then  the  red  cross  of  £ngland,  and  next  the  stripes  and 
sturs  of  America  had  floated  over  its  ramparts ;  and  then  again  the  red  cross, 
and  lastly  the  stars.  On  my  return  to  this  coimtry  a  few  years  since.  I  visited 
those  scenes  of  stirring  excitement  in  which  my  boyhood  had  been  passed, 
but  I  looked  in  vain  for  the  ancient  fortifications  which  had  given  a  classical 
interest  to  that  region.  The  unsparing  hand  of  utilitarianism  had  passed 
over  them,  daptroyi'P';  almost  every  vestige  of  the  past  Where  had  risen  the 
only  fortress  in  America  at  all  rrorthy  to  give  antiquity  to  the  scene,  streets 
had  been  laid  out  and  mude.  and  houses  had  been  built,  leaving  not  a  trace 
of  its  existence,  save  the  well  that  formerly  supplied  the  closely  besieged  gar- 
rison with  water ;  and  this,  half  imbedded  in  the  herbage  of  an  enclosure  of  a 
dwelling  house  of  mean  appearand,  was  rather  to  be  guessed  at  than  seen  ; 
while  at  the  opposite  extremity  o!'  the  city,  where  had  been  conspicuous  for 
ycnrs  the  Bloody  Run,  cultivalipii  and  improvement  had  nearly  obliterated 
c  riTy  trace  of  the  past. 

Two  objections  have  been  urged  against  Wacousta  as  a  consistent  talc — the 
one  as  mvolving  an  improbability,  the  other  a  geographical  error.  It  has  been 
a'^sumed  that  the  startling  feat  accomplished  by  that  man  of  deep  revenge, 
who  is  not  alone  in  his  bitter  hatiod  and  contempt  for  the  base  among  those 
who,  like  spaniels,  crawl  and  kis^  the  dust  at  the  instigation  of  their  su- 
periurs,  and  yet  arrogate  to  themselves  a  claim  to  be  considered  gentlemen 
and  mon  of  honor  and  independence — it  l.a.s.  T  repeat,  been  assumed  that  tha 
feat  nttvibutcd  to  hira.  in  connexion  with  the  fla<r-stafi'  of  the  fort,  was  im- 
pcraible.  N«i  one  who  has  tver  seen  these  erections  on  the  small  forts  of  that 
dfcv,  would  pronounce  the  same  ■riticism.  Never  very  lofty,  they  were 
ascended  at  least  one-third  of  their  height  by  nieuns  of  small  projections  nailed 
to  iheiii.  for  footholds  for  the  artillerymen,  fre(|ucntly  compelled  to  clear  the 
Hag  lim  8  entangled  at  the  truck  ;  therefore  a  strong  and  active  man,  such  as 
Wacousta  is  described  to  have  been,  might  very  well  have  been  supposed,  in 
his  strong  anxiety  for  revenge  and  esca|)e  with  his  victim,  to  have  doubled 
hiH  strength  and  activity  on  so  important  an  occasion,  rendering  that  easy  of 
uttaiiuncnt  by  himself,  which  an  ordinary  and  unexcitcd  man  might  deem 
iii>|M>ssibIe.  I  myself  have  knocked  down  a  gate  almost  without  feeling  the 
resistance,  in  order  to  escape  the  stilettoes  of  assassins. 

'i'he  second  objection  is  to  the  narrowness  attributed,  in  th»  tale,  to  the  rivei 
St.  Clair.  This  was  done  in  the  license  usually  accorded  to  a  writer  of  fiction, 
in  order  to  give  greater  efi'ect  t^  the  scene  represented  as  having  occurred  there 
and  of  course  in  no  way  intended  as  a  geographical  description  of  tke  river, 
nor  was  it  necessary.  In  the  same  spirit  and  for  ^e  same  purpose,  it  hsf 
been  oonturatd*  ^.  _ 


,.}}{  IN'TRODrCTlON". 

It  vrlll  ho  soon  th«t  nt  the  tcrniination  of  the  tragedy  enacted  at  the  bridge, 
by  which  the  Hlomly  /tun  was  in  thoKO  days  crossed,  that  the  wrotch#xl  wift 
of  the  con<lemnc(l  soI(  ier  pronounced  a  curKo  thi  t  could  not  of  course  well  be 
fuiflllcd  in  the  cour  .e  of  the  talc.  Some  few  \  cars  ago  I  published  in  Can- 
a<la— I  iiiit^lit  as  wv  1  have  done  ho  in  Ivaiulschatia — the  continuation,  which 
WU.S  to  liave  bton  lodicuted  to  the  last  King  of  England,  but  which,  after  the 
death  of  that  tiioiiaruh,  was  inscribed  to  Sir  John  Ilarvcy,  whose  letter,  m 
making  honoralile  incnlion  of  a  gallant  and  beloved  brother,  I  feel  it  a  dulj 
to  ihe  tncniory  of  the  latter  to  subjoin.* 

The  Phophkcy  Fulfilled,  which,  however,  has  never  been  seen  out  of  the 
•small  ccunilry  in  which  it  appeared.  Detroit  perhajis  alone  excepted,  embracea 
tiful  iii'lt'L'd  is  iiitimiitoly  connected  with  the  Benuchamp  tragedy,  which  took 


'  '"OovKRirHiirr  Ilovei,  FmncnicTor',  N  D.,  Sovemhtr  2iitli,  1839. 

"DiAiSi*,— I  am  fuvorod  with  your  very  hitoroHting  couimunicatioa  of  the  2d  io- 
ftant,  by  which  I  loam  that  you  are  the  brother  of  (wuyuutb«,  whtwe  giilhiDtry  and 
iii8ril«— nn>l  wiih  rc^wni  to  one  of  tboiii,  hia  aulTuringfl— during  the  lute  war,  excited  my 
i«;iruio8t  adiuiriitioo  iind  Hyuipiithy ;  I  bog  yuu  to  beliovu  tbiit  I  am  far  from  ioneiuilile  tc 
the  aflucting  prooffl  which  yuu  huve  mndo  Itnown  to  mo  of  this  grateful  reculioetiun  uf  any 
little  service  which  I  way  have  had  it  in  my  prnvor  to  render  them  (  and  I  will  add  th»t 
the  desire  which  I  folt  to  serve  the  father,  will  be  found  to  extend  it«elf  to  the  son,  if  your 
nephew  should  over  dnd  himself  under  circumstances  to  require  from  me  any  service  wbicb 
't  may  be  within  my  power  to  render  him. 

'*  With  'i^ard  to  yr.ur  very  flattering  proposition  to  inscribe  your  present  work  to  me 
I  oan  only  say  thit,  independent  of  the  respect  to  which  the  author  of  so  very  charming  n 
production  as  '  Wacousta"  is  entitled,  the  interesting  fact«  and  eircumstahcea  to  uneipeci- 
oily  brought  to  my  knowledge  and  recollection,  would  ensure  a  ready  acquiescence  on  nciy 
pari. 

"I  remain,  dear  Sir,  your  very  faithful  lenraot 

(Signed)  *J.  flAKm. 

*  Niijor  KicMAKKHOR,  Mootfen] " 
^lace  at  or  near  Wcisiger's  Hotel,  in  Frankfort.  Kentucky,  where  I  hftd  beoo 

many  years  before  confined  as  a  prisoner  of  war.     While  oonnocting  it  wub 

the  Prophecy  FrLPiLLED.  and  making  it  subservient  to  the  end  I  had  in 

«iew,  I  had  not  read,  or  even  hoard  of  the  exisience^of  a  work  of  the  same 

character,  which  had  already  appeared  from  the  \nin  of  an  American  aathi»r. 

*ndecd,  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  *' Prophecy  Fultillud,"  although  not 

published  until  ader  a  lapse  of  years,  was  the  Urst  written.     No  similaniy 

*<"  treatment  of  the  subject  exists  between  the  two  versionn.  and  thm.  be  i1 

.'omembered,  I  remark  without  in  the  slightest  degree  impagnmg  the  ment  cf 

the  production  of  my  fellow  laborer  in  the  same  Add 

Niw  ToBi  OiTT,  Tat  AovBca. 

Jmaqr  iHh  18H. 


9 


WACOUSTA;  OR,  THE  PROPHECV. 


CHAPTER  I 

It  was  daring  the  midnight  watch.  lute  in  September,  1763,  that  th« 
English  garrison  of  Dotruit  was  thrown  into  tiie  utmost  consternation  by 
the  sudden  and  mysterious  intro(hiction  of  a  stranger  withir  its  walls.  Th« 
circumstance  at  this  moment  was  particularly  remarkable;  for  the  period 
was  so  fearful  and  pregnant  with  events  of  danger,  the  fort  being  assailed 
on  every  side  by  a  powerful  and  vindictive  foe,  tliat  a  caution  and  vigilance 
of  no  connnon  kind  were  unceasingly  exercised  by  the  priident  governor  for 
the  safety  of  those  committed  to  his  charge.  A  long  scries  of  hostilities  had 
been  pursued  by  the  North  American  Indians  against  the  subjects  of  Eng- 
land, within  the  few  years  that  had  succeeded  to  the  final  subjection  of  the 
Canadas  to  her  victorious  arms :  and  many  and  sanguinary  were  the  con- 
llicts  in  which  the  devoted  soldiery  weie  made  to  succumb  to  the  cunning 
and  numbers  of  their  savage  enemies.  In  those  lone  regions,  both  officers  and 
men,  in  their  respective  ranks,  were,  by  a  comnmnionship  ef  suffering,  isolation, 
and  peculiarity  of  duty,  drawn  towards  each  other  with  feelings  of  almoEii 
fraternal  affection :  and  the  fates  of  tho.se  who  fell  were  lamented  with  sin- 
ferily  of  .soul,  and  avenged,  when  opportunity  offered,  with  a  determination 
prompted  e(]ually  by  indignation  and  despair.  This  sentiment  of  union,  ex- 
isting even  between  men  and  officers  of  different  corps,  was,  with  occasional 
exceptions,  of  course  doubly  strengthened  among  tliose  who  fought  under 
the  same  colors,  and  acknowledged  the  same  head  ;  and,  as  it  often  hap- 
pened in  Canada,  during  this  interesting  period,  that  a  single  regiment  was 
distributed  into  two  or  three  fortresses,  each  so  far  removed  from  the  other 
that  communication  could  with  the  utmost  facility  be  cut  off,  the  anxiety  and 
uncertainty  of  these  detachments  became  proportioned  to  the  danger  with 
which  they  knew  themselves  to  be  more  inuuediately  be.»<et.  The  garrison 
of  Detroit,  at  the  date  above  named,  consisted  of  a  third  of  the  ■  regi- 

ment, the  remainder  of  which  occupied  the  forts  of  Michillimackinac  and 
Niagara,  and  to  each  division  of  this  regiment  was  attached  an  officer's  com- 
mand of  artillery.  It  is  tiue  that  no  immediate  overt  act  of  hostility  had 
for  seme  time  been  perpetrated  by  the  Indians,  who  were  assembled  in  force 
around  the  former  garri.son ;  but  the  experienced  officer  to  whom  the  com- 
mand had  been  intrusted  was  too  sensible  of  the  craftiness  of  the  .surround- 
ing hordes  to  be  deceived,  by  any  outward  semblan  e  of  amity,  into  neglect 
of  those  raca.sures  of  precaution  which  were  so  indispensable  to  the  oecurity 
of  his  trust. 


10 


WACOtWl'A,  QB,  THE  iMOPMtOt. 


In  IhiE  he  pursued  a  line  of  policy  happily  adapted  to  the  delicate  nature 
i,f  his  position.  Unwilling  to  excite  the  anger  or  wound  the  pnde  of  th« 
chiefs  by  any  outward  manifestation  of  distrust,  he  affected  to  confide  lo 
the  sincerity  of  their  professions,  and,  by  inducing  his  officers  to  mix  ooca- 
wonaily  in  their  roimcils,  and  his  men  in  the  nmusemcnts  of  the  inferior 
warriors  contrived  to  ij:ipre'<s  the  conviction  that  he  reposed  altogether  on 
their  faith  Hut,  allhou^-h  these  acts  wore  in  some  degree  coerced  by  the 
necessity  of  the  tiniLS.  and  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  the  misery  that  must 
K-cme  to  them  in  the  event  of  their  provoking  tlie  Imhans  into  acts  of  open 
hostility,  the  priid -nt  <rov  inor  took  such  precautions  as  were  deemed  eflicieul 
tA  ijcfeatanv  tre.'irl.crous  atleiiipl  at  violation  of  the  tacit  treaty  on  the  part 
of  the  natives.  The  officers  njver  ventured  out,  unles.s  escorted  by  a  i)ortion 
of  their  men,  who,  although  appearing  to  be  dispensed  among  the  warriors, 
Ktill  kept  sufficiently  together  to  he  enabled,  in  a  moment  of  emergency,  to  af- 
ford succor,  not  only  to  each  other,  but  to  their  superiors.  On  these  occa- 
sions, as  a  furtha-  security  against  sug)rise,  the  troops  left  within  were  in- 
.•.trueted  to  be  in  readiness,  at  a  mouRnt's  warning,  to  render  assistance,  if 
ne(;essary,  to  their  companions,  who  seldom,  on  any  occasion,  ventured  out 
of  reach  of  the  cannon  of  the  fort,  the  gate  of  which  was  hermetically 
closed,  while  numerous  cjuptiiimmerary  .sentinels  were  posted  along  the 
ramparts,  with  a  view  to  give  the  alarm  if  anything  extraordinary  was  ob- 
served to  occur  without. 

Painfid  and  harassing  as  were  the  precautions  it  was  found'  necessary  to 
adopt  on  these  occasions,  and  liitle  de.«*irous  .is  were  the  garrison  to  mingle 
with  the  natives  on  such  terms,  still  the  plan  was  pursued  by  the  governor 
from  the  policy  already  named :  nay,  it  was  absolutely  essent.'.*]  to  the  futui-e 
interests  of  England  that  the  Indians  should  be  won  over  by  acts  of  confidence 
and  kindness ;  and  so  little  di.sposition  had  hitherto  been  manifeste<l  by  the 
English  to  conciliate,  that  every  thing  was  to  be  apprehended  from  the  un- 
tameable  rancor  with  which  the.se  people  were  but  too  well  disposed  to  repay 
a  neglect  at  once  galling  to  their  pride  and  injurious  to  their  interests. 

Such,  for  a  term  of  many  months,  had  been  the  trying  and  painful  duty 
that  haa  devolved  on  the  governor  of  Detroit;  when,  in  the  summer  of  17G3, 
the  whole  of  the  western  tribes  of  Indians,  as  if  actuated  by  one  common  im- 
pulse, suddenly  threw  ott"  the  mask,  and  commenced  a  series  of  the  most 
savage  tre.spasses  upon  the  English  settlers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  several  gar- 
ri.son.s,  who  were  cut  off  in  detail,  without  mercy,  and  without  reference  to 
either  age  or  sex.  On  the  first  alarm  the  weak  bodies  of  troop.s,  as  a  last 
nif.'asnre  of  security,  shut  themselves  up  in  their  respective  forts,  where  they 
were  as  incapable  of  rendering  assistance  to  others  as  of  receiving  it  them- 
selves. In  this  emergency  the  prudence  and  forethought  of  the  governor  of 
Detroit  were  eminently  conspicuous  ;  for,  having  long  foreseen  the  possibility 
of  such  a  crisis,  he  had  caused  a  plentiful  supply  of  all  that  was  necessary  to 
the  subsistence  and  defence  of  the  garrison  to  be  provided  at  an  earlier  pcrio<l, 
so  that,  if  foiled  in  their  attempts  at  stratagem,  there  was  little  chance  that 
the  Indians  would  speedily  reduce  them  by  famme.  To  guard  against  the 
fbrmer,  a  vigilant  watch  was  constantly  kept  by  the  garrison  both  day  and 
night,  while  the  sentinels,  doubled  in  number,  were  constantly  on  the  alert 
Strict  attention,  moreover,  was  paid  to  such  parts  of  the  ramparts  as  wert 


WACOTJSTA,  OR,  THE  FROfBECfY. 


11 


te  nature 
de  of  the 
K)nfide  io 
mix  ooca- 
e  inferior 
gether  on 
d  by  th« 
that  must 
ts  of  open 
I  eflicicul 
the  part 
a  |K)rtion 
warriors, 
cy,  to  af- 
lese  occa- 
were  in- 
stance, if 
tiircd  out 
metically 
long  the 
was  ob- 

lessary  to 
to  mingle 
governor 
he  future 
onfidence 
d  by  the 
[1  the  un- 
to repay 

3. 

iful  duty 
of  17C3, 
imon  im- 
;he  most 
eral  gar- 
irence  to 
as  a  last 
ere  they 
it  thcm- 
ernor  of 
>ssibility 
ssary  to 
r  perioti, 
nee  that 
inst  the 
day  and 
le  alert 
as  wert 


considered  most  assailable  by  a  cunning  and  midnight  enemy ;  and,  in  order 
to  prevent  any  imprudence  on  the  part  of  the  garrison,  all  e^ess  or  ingress 
was  prohibited  that  had  not  the  immediate  sanction  of  the  chief.  With  this 
view  the  keys  of  the  gate  were  given  in  trust  to  the  oflBcer  of  the  gnnrd ;  to 
whom,  however,  it  was  interdicted  to  use  them  unless  by  direct  ar  positive 
Older  of  the  governor.  In  addition  to  this  precaution,  the  sentinuiS  on  duty 
at  the  gate  had  strict  private  instructions  not  to  sufler  any  one  to  pass  either 
in  or  out  unless  conducted  by  the  governor  in  person :  and  this  restriction 
extended  even  to  the  ollicer  of  the  guard. 

Such  being  the  cautious  discipline  established  in  the  fort,  the  appearance  of 
a  stranger  within  the  walls  at  the  still  hour  of  midnight  could  not  fail  to  be 
regarded  as  an  extraordinary  event,  and  to  excite  an  apprehension  which  could 
scarcely  have  been  surpassed  had  a  numerous  and  armed  band  of  savages  sud- 
denly appeared  among  them.  The  first  intimation  of  this  fact  was  given  by 
the  violent  ringing  of  an  alarm  bell ;  a  rope  communicating  with  which  was 
suspended  in  the  governor's  apartments,  for  the  purpose  of  arousing  the  slum- 
bering soldiers  in  any  case  of  pressing  emergency.  Soon  afterwards  the 
governor  himself  was  seen  to  issue  from  his  rooms  in  the  open  area  of  the 

Earade,  clad  in  fads  dressing-gown,  and  bearing  a  lamp  in  one  hand  and  a  lift- 
ed sword  in  the  other.  His  countenance  was  pale,  and  his  features,  violently 
Agitated,  betrayed  a  source  of  alarm  which  those  who  were  familiar  with  hii 
usjial  haughtiness  of  manner  were  ill  able  to  comprehend. 

•'Which  way  did  he  go? — why  stand  ye  bore? — follow — pursue  him 
quif^kly — let  htm  not  escape,  on  your  lives  !"  These  sentences,  hurriedly  and 
impatiently  uttered,  were  addressed  to  the  two  sentinels  who,  stationed  in 
front  of  his  apartments,  had,  on  the  first  sound  of  alarm  from  the  portentouM 
bell,  lowered  their  m  iskets  to  the  charge,  and  now  stood  immovable  in  thai; 
position. 

"  Who  does  your  honor  mane  ?"  replied  one  of  the  men,  startled,  yet 
bringing  his  arms  to  the  "  Recover,"  in  salutation  of  his  chief. 

"  Why,  the  man — the  stranger — the  fellow  who  has  just  passed  you." 

"  Not  a  living  soul  has  passed  us  since  our  watch  commenced,  your  honor," 
observed  the  second  sentinel*;  "  and  we  have  now  beev.>  here  upwards  of  an 
hour." 

"  Impossible,  sirs :  ye  have  been  asleep  on  your  posts,  or  ye  must  have 
seen  him.  lie  passed  this  way,  and  could  not  have  escaped  your  observation 
had  ye  been  attentive  to  your  duty." 

"Well,  sure,  and  yotir  honor  knows  bist,"  rejoined  the  first  sentinel ;  "but 
so  hilp  me  St.  I**atrick,  as  T  have  sirved  man  and  boy  in  your  honor's  rigi- 
iiu'nt  this  twelve  years,  not  even  the  fitch  of  a  man  has  passed  me  this 
Missed  night.  And  here's  my  comrade,  Jack  Halford,  who  will  take  his 
Hible  oathi  to  the  same,  with  all  due  difirince  to  your  honor."  The  pithy 
reply  to  this  eloquent  attempt  at  exculpation  was  a  brief  "Silence,  sirrah, 
walk  about !" 

The  men  brojght  their  muskets  once  more,  and  in  silence,  to  the  shoulder, 
and  in  obedience  to  the  command  of  their  chief,  resumed  their  limited  walk  j 
crossing  each  other  at  regular  intervals  in  the  course  that  enfiladed,  as  it  were, 
the  only  entrance- to  the  governor's  apartments. 

Meanwhile  evcrythinjg  was  bustle  and  commotion  among  the  garrison, 


12 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  TH*  PROFIBCT. 


«rho,  roused  from  skep  by  the  appalling  sound  of  the  alarm  bell  at  that  late 
hour,  wer^  hastily  arming.    Throtighout  the  obscurity  might  be  seen  the 


otr  duty  were  oquippino;  for  some  service  of  more  than  ordinary  interest.  So 
noiseless,  too.  was  this  preparation,  as  far  as  speech  was  roncerned,  that  the 
ncca.sional  openin<r  and  shutting  of  pans,  and  ringing  of  ranirOds  to  ascerta-n 
llie  efficiency  of  the  muskets,  might  be  heard  distinctly  in  the  stillness  of  tin- 
niglit  at  a  distance  of  many  furlongs.  -    „   .,  .       .  ^ 

He,  however,  who  had  touched  the  secret  spring  of  all  this  picturesque 
movement,  whatever  mi^ht  be  his  gratification  and  approval  of  the  prompti- 
tude with  which  the  summons  to  arms  had  been  answered  by  his  brave  troops, 
was  far  from  being  wholly  satisfied  with  the  scene  he  had  conjured  up.  Re- 
covered from  the  first  and  irrepressible  agitation  which  had  driven  him  tc 
sound  the  tocsm  of  alarm,  he  felt  how  derogatory  to  his  military  dignity  and 
proverbial  coolness  of  character  it  might  be  considered,  to  have  awakened  a 
whole  garrison  from  their  .slumbers,  when  a  few  files  of  the  guard  would 
have  answered  his  purpose  equally  well.  Besides,  so  much  time  had  been 
suffered  to  elapse,  that  the  stranger  might  have  escaped  ;  and  if  so,  how  many 
might  bo  disposed  to  ridicule  his  alarm,  and  consider  it  as  emanating  from  an 
imagination  disturbed  by  sleep,  rather  than  caused  by  the  actual  presence  of 
one  endowed  like  themselves  with  the  faculties  of  speech  and  motion.  For  a 
moment  he  hesitated  whether  he  should  not  countermand  the  summons  to 
arms  which  had  been  so  i)recipitately  given  ;  but  when  he  recollected  the 
harrowing  threat  that  had  been  breathed  in  his  ear  hy  his  midnight  risiter,— 
when  he  refiected.  moreover,  that  even  now  it  was  probable  he  was  lurking 
mthin  the  precincts  of  the  fort  with  a  view  to  the  destruction  of  all  that  it 
eoutainod. — when,  in  short,  he  thouixht  of  the  imminent  danger  that  muit 
attend  them  should  he  be  suffered  to  tscape, — he  felt  the  necessity  of  precau* 
tion,  and  determined  on  his  measures,  even  at  the  risk  of  manifesting  u  pru- 
dence which  might  be  construed  unfavorably.  On  re-entering  his  apartments, 
he  fwmd  his  orderly,  who.  roused  by  the  midnight  tumult,  stood  waiting  to 
receive  the  commands  of  his  chief 

"  Desire  jMajor  Black  water  to  come  to  me  immediately."  The  mandate  was 
quickly  obeyed.  In  a  few  seconds  a  short,  thick-set  and  elderly  officer  made 
his  appearance  in  a  gray  military  undress  frock. 

"  Blackwater,  we  have  traitors  within  the  fort.  Let  diligent  search  be 
made  in  avQvy  part  of  the  barracks  for  a  stranger,  an  oncm}'^,  who  has  man- 
aged to  procure  admittance  among  us :  let  every  nook  and'  cranny,  every 
empty  cask,  be  examined  forthwith  ;  and  cause  a  number  of  additional  senti- 
nels to  be  stationed  along  the  ramparts,  in  order  to  intercept  his  escape." 

*'  Oood  heaven,  is  it  possible  ?"  .said  the  major,  wiping  the  perspiration  from 
his  brows,  though  the  night  was  unusually  chilly  for  the  season  of  the  year  :-~« 
**  how  could  he  contrive  to  enter  a  place  .so  vigilantly  guarded  ?" 

"  Ask  me  not  liow^  Blackwater,"  returned  the  governor,  seriously ;  "  let  it 
Buffice  that  he  has  been  in  this  very  room,  and  that  ten  minutes  since  he  stood 
where  you  now  stand." 

The  major  looked  aghast. — "  God  bless  me,  how  singular  I    How  could  the 


MACOUSTA,  OB,  THJDPROPHJICT. 


13 


t  that  late 
3  seen  the 
imed  them 
kshing  to 
the  troops 
crest.  So 
1,  that  flic 
)  ascerta'n 
less  of  tlio 

icturesqnc 
J  prompti- 
Lve  troops, 
1  up.  Re- 
en  him  to 
ipnity  and 
rakencd  a 
ird  would 

had  been 
low  many 
g  from  an 
rcsence  of 
n.  For  a 
tnmons  to 
Iccted  the 

risitcr, — 
IS  lurking 
al]  that  it 
that  must 
nf  prccau* 
ng  u  pru- 
)artfnentR, 
waiting  to 

ndate  waa 
icer  made 

search  be 
has  man- 
my,  every 
>nal  senti- 
;apu." 
fition  from 
le  year  j— 

y ;  "  let  it 
e  he  stood 

could  the 


savage  contrive  to  obtain  admission  ?  or  was  he  in  reahty  an  Indian  7"  "  No 
more  questions,  Major  Blackwater.  Hasten  to  distribute  the  men,  and  let 
diligent  search  be  made  everywhere ;  and  recollect,  neither  officer  nor  man 
courts  his  pillow  until  dawn." 

The  "  major"  emphatically  prefixed  to  his  name  was  a  sufficient  hint  to  the 
stout  officer  that  the  doubts  thus  familiarly  expressed  were  here  to  cease,  and 
that  he  was  now  addressed  in  the  language  of  authority  by  his  superior,  who 
expected  a  :lirect  and  prompt  compliance  with  his  orders.  He  therefore 
slightly  touched  his  hat  in  salutation,  and  withdrew  to  make  the  dispositions 
that  had  been  enjoined  by  his  colonel. 

On  regaining  the  parade,  he  caused  the  men,  already  forming  into  compa 
nies,  and  answering  to  the  roll-call  of  their  respective  non-commissioned 
officers,  to  be  wheeled  into  square,  and  then  in  a  low  but  distinct  voice  stated 
the  cause  of  alarm ;  and,  having  communicated  the  orders  of  the  governor, 
tinislied  by  recommending  to  each  the  exercise  of  the  most  scrutinising  vigi- 
lance ;  as  on  the  discovery  of  the  individual  in  question,  and  the  means  by 
which  he  had  contrived  to  procure  admission,  the  safety  of  the  whole  garrison, 
it  was  evident,  must  depend. 

The  soldiers  now  dispersed  in  small  parties  throughout  the  interior  of  the 
fort,  while  a  select  body  were  conducted  to  the  ramparts  by  the  officers  them- 
selves, and  distributed  between  the  sentinels  already  posted  there,  in  such 
numbers,  and  at  such  distances,  that  it  appeared  impossible  any  thing  wearing 
the  human  form  could  pass  them  unpcrceived,  even  in  the  obscurity  that 
reigned  around. 

■  When  this  duty  was  accomplished,  the  officers  proceeded  to  the  posts  of 
the  several  sentinels  who  had  been  planted  since  the  last  relief,  to  ascertain 
if  any  or  either  of  them  had  observed  aught  to  justify  tho  beliel'  that  an  ene- 
my had  sucxjeeded  in  scaling  the  works.  To  all  their  inquiries,  however,  they 
rviceived  a  negative  reply,  accompanied  by  a  declaration,  more  or  less  positive 
with  each,  that  su^ch  had  been  their  vigilance  during  the  watch,  had  any  per- 
son come  within  their  beat,  detection  must  have  been  inevitable.  The  first 
question  was  put  to  the  sentinel  stationed  at  the  gate  of  the  fort,  at  which 
point  the  whole  of  the  officers  of  the  garrison  were,  with  one  or  two  excep- 
tions, now  assembled.  The  man  at  first  evinced  a  good  deal  of  confusion  ; 
but  this  might  arise  from  the  singular  fact  of  the  alarm  that  had  been  gi\en, 
and  the  equally  singular  circumstance  of  his  ber  ig  thus  closely  interrogated 
by  the  collective  bod^  ( f  his  officers :  he,  however,  persisted  in  declaring  that 
he  had  been  m  no  wise  inattentive  to  his  dutj,  and  that  no  lause  for  alarm  oi 
giixpicion  had  occurred  near  his  post.  The  officers  then,  in  order  to  save  time, 
separated  into  two  parties,  pursuing  opposite  circuity  and  arranging  to  meet 
at  thsxt  point  of  the  ramparts  which  was  immediately  in  the  rear,  and  over- 
looking the  centre  of  the  semicircular  sweep  of  wild  forest  which  circumvented 
the  fort. 

"  Well,  Blessing-ton,  I  know  not  what  you  think  of  this  sort  of  work,"  ob- 
served Sir  Everard  Vallctort,  a  young  lieutenant  of  the regiment,  re- 
cently arrived  from  England,  and  c.  tlie  party  who  now  traversed  the  ram- 
part to  the  right :  "  but  confound  me  if  I  would  not  rather  be  a  barber** 
apprentice  in  London,  upon  nothing,  and  find  myselt  than  continue  a  life  of 
tlus  kwd  much  longej.    It  positively  t^uite  knocks  me  up;  for  what  wit)^ 


u 


WACOUSTA,  OB,  THE  EBOXHECT. 


MriT  risings,  and  watchings— I  had  almost  added  prayings— I  un  but  th* 

■hadow  of  my  former  self."  . ,  y^    ^  •    t>,     •  _l      ±v. 

"Hist  Valletort,  hist!  speak  lower,"  said  Captain  Blessmgton.  the  senior 
oflBccr  present,  "  or  our  search  must  be  in  vain.  Poor  fellow !"  he  pursued, 
lauehinK  low  and  good  bumoredly  at  the  picture  of  miseries  thus  solenmlT 
enmnerated  by  his  subaltern ;— '^how  muchj  in  truth,  are  you  to  be  pitied, 
who  have  so  re<»ntly  basked  in  all  the  sunshine  of  enjoyment  at  home.  For 
our  parts  we  have  lived  .so  long  amid  these  savage  scenes,  that  we  have  al- 
most forgotten  what  luxury,  or  even  comfort,  means.  Doubt  not,  my  friend, 
that  in  time  you  will,  like  us,  be  reconciled  to  the  chinge." 

"  Confound  me  for  an  idiot,  then,  if  I  give  myself  time,"  rejhed  Sir  Everard, 
affectedly.  "  It  was  only  nve  minutes  before  that  cursed  alarm  bell  was 
Bounded  in  my  ears,  that  I  had  made  up  my  mind  fully  to  resign  or  exchange 
the  instant  I  could  do  so  with  credit  to  myself;  andj  I  am  sure,  to  be  called  out 
of  a  warm  bed  at  this  unseasonable  hour  offers  httle  inducement  for  mo  to 
change  my  opinion." 

"  Resign  or  exchange  with  credit  to  yourself!"  sullenly  observed  a  stout 
tall  officer  of  about  fifty,  whose  spleen  might  well  be  accounted  for  in  his 
rank  of  "  Ensign"  Delme.'  "  Methinks  there  can  be  little  credit  in  exchange 
ing  or  resigning,  when  one's  companions  are  left  behind,  and  in  a  post  of 
danger." 

"  By  Jasus,  and  ye  may  say  that  with  your  own  pritty  mouth,"  remarked 
another  veteran,  who  answered  to  the  name  of  Lieutenant  Murphy;  "for  it 
isn't  now,  while  we  are  surrounded  and  bediviled  by  the  savages,  that  any  man 

of  the regiment  should  be  after  talking  of  bating  a  retrate." 

"I  scarcely  understand  you,  gentlemen,"  warmly  and  quickly  retorted  Sir 
Eveiard,  who,  with  all  his  dandyism  and  effeminacy  of  manner,  was  of  a  high 
and  resolute  spirit.    "  Do  either  of  you  fancy  that  I  want  courage  to  face  a 
positive  danger,  because  I  may  not  happen  to  have  any  particular  vulgar  pre 
dilection  for  early  rising  ?" 

"Nonsense,  Valletort,  nonsense,"  interrupted,  in  accents  of  almost  feminine 
sweetness,  his  friend  Lieutenant  CImrles  de  Haldimar,  the  youngest  son 
of  the  governor :  "  Murphy  is  an  eternal  echo  of  the  opinions  of  those  who 
look  forward  to  promotion ;  and  as  for  Delme — do  you  not  see  the  drift  of  his 
observation?  Should  you  retire,  as  you  have  threatened,  of  course  another 
lieutenant  will  be  appointed  in  your  stead ;  but,  should  you  chance  to  lose 
your  scalp  during  the  struggle  with  the  savages,  the  step  goes  in  the  regiment, 
and  he,  being  the  senior  ensign,  obtains  promotion  in  consequence." 

"  Ah !"  observed  Captain  Blessington,  "  this  is  indeed  the  greatest  curse 
attached  to  the  profession  of  a  soldier.  Even  among  those  who  most  esteem, 
and  are  drawn  towards  each  other  as  well  by  fellowship  in  pleasure  as  com- 
panionship in  danger,  this  vile  and  debasing  principle — this  insatiable  desire 
for  personal  advancement— is  certain  to  intrude  itself;  since  we  feel  that  over 
the  mangled  bodies  of  our  dearest  friends  and  companions,  tve  can  alone  hope 
to  attain  preferment  and  distinction. 

This  conversation,  interrupted  only  by  occasional  questioning  of  the  sen- 
tinels whom  they  passed  in  their  circuit,  was  carried  en  in  an  audible  whisper 
vhicli  the  close  approximation  of  the  parties  to  each  other,  and  the  prcibujM) 
wtillnt'ss  uf  the  night,  enabled  them  to  hear  with  di^itinctuess. 


\vAc;oi:sTA,  cuj.  'i:hb  pjao^ttECT.  15 

yrhBa  tbe  oonversation  dropped,  the  partj  pursued  their  course  in  silenoe. 
They  had  just  passed  the  last  sentinel  posted  m  their  line  of  circuit,  and  wert 
within  a  few  yards  of  the  immediate  rear  of  the  fortress,  when  a  sharp 
"  Hist !"  and  sudden  halt  of  their  leader.  Captain  Blessington,  threw  them 
all  into  an  attitude  of  the  most  profound  attention, 

"  Did  you  hear  ?"  he  asked  in  a  subdued  whisper,  after  a  few  seconds  of 
silence,  in  which  he  had  vainly  souglit  to  catch  a  repetition  of  the  sound. 

"  Assuredly,"  he  pursued,  finding  that  no  one  answered,  "  I  distinctly  heard 
a  human  groan."  "  Where ? — in  what  diiection 7"  asked  Sir  Everard  and 
De  Ilaldimar  in  the  same  breath. 

"  Immediatelj'  opposite  to  us  on  the  common.  But  sec,  here  are  the  re> 
mainder  of  the  party  stationary,  and  listening  also." 

They  now  stole  gently  forward  a  few  paces,  and  were  soon  at  the  side  of 
their  companions,  all  of  whom  were  straining  their  necks  and  bending  their 
heads  in  the  attitu<le  of  men  listening  attentively." 

"  Have  you  heard  anything,  Erskine  ?  asked  Captain  Blessington  in  the 
same  low  whisper,  and  addressing  the  officer  who  led  the  opposite  party. 

"  Not  a  sound  ourselves,  but  here  is  Sir  Evorard's  black  servant,  Sambo, 
who  has  just  riveted  our  attention,  by  declaring  he  distinctly  heard  a  groan 
towards  the  skirt  of  the  common."  "  Ho  is  right,"  hastily  rejoined  Blessing- 
ton;  "I  heard  it  also." 

Again  a  death-like  silence  ensued,  during  which  the  eyes  of  the  party  were 
■trained  eagerly  in  the  direction  of  the  common.  The  night  was  clear  and 
starry,  yet  the  dark  shadow  of  the  broad  belt  of  fore»l  threw  all  that  part 
of  the  waste  which  came  within  its  immediate  range  into  unpenetrable  ob- 
scurity. 

<'  Do  you  see  anything  ?"  whispered  Valletort  to  his  ftdend,  who  stood  next 
him :  "  look — look !"  and  he  pointed  with  his  finger.  "  Nothing,"  returned 
De  Haldimar,  after  an  anxious  gaze  of  a  minute,  "  but  that  dilapidated  old 
bomb-proof." 

''  See  you  not  something  dark,  and  slightly  moving,  immediately  in  a  line 
with  the  left  angle  of  the  bomb-proof?"  De  Haldimar  looked  again.  .  "I  do 
begin  to  fancy  I  see  something,"  he  replied ;  "  but  so  cor'usedly  and  indis- 
tinctly, that  1  know  not  whether  it  be  not  merely  an  illusion  of  my  imagin- 
ation. Perhaps  it  is  a  stray  Indian  dog  devouring  the  carcass  of  the  wolf 
you  shot  yesterday." 

"  Be  it  dog  or  devil,  here  is  for  a  trial  of  his  vulnerability.  Sambo,  quick, 
my  rifle." 

The  young  negro  handed  to  his  master  one  of  those  long  heavy  rifles, 
which  the  Indians  usually  make  choice  of  for  killing  buflalo,  elk.  and  other 
animals  whose  wildness  renders  them  difficult  of  approach.  He  tnen,  unbid- 
den, and  as  if  tutored  to  the  task,  placed  himself  in  a  stifl"  upright  position  in 
front  of  his  master,  with  every  nerve  and  muscle  braced  to  the  most  inflex- 
ible cteadiness.  The  young  officer  next  threw  the  rifle  on  the  right  shoulder 
of  the  boy  for  a  rest,  and  prepared  to  take  his  aim  on  the  object  that  had  first 
attracted  his  attention. 

"  Make  haste,  massa, — him  go  directly, — Sambo  see  him  get  up." 

All  was  breathless  attention  among  the  group  of  officers ;  and  when  the 
sharp  ticking  sound  produced  by  the  cocking  of  the  rifle  of  their  compaoioo 


16 


WACOUSTA,  OK,  THE  PROrBEOY. 


■-fe 
1 


Ml  on  their  ears,  they  bent  their  p:aze  upon  tho  point  towards  which  the  mur- 
derous weapon  was  levelled  with  the  most  aching  and  intense  interest. 

"  Quick,  quick,  massa,— him  quite  up,"  again  whispered  the  boy. 

The  words  had  scarcely  passed  his  lii)s,  when  the  crack  of  the  rifle,  followed 
by  a  bright  blaze  of  light,  sounded  throughout  the  stillness  of  the  night  with 
exciting  sharpness.  For  an  instant  all  was  hushed ;  but  scarcely  had  the  dis- 
tent woods  oeas(id  to  reyerberate  the  spirit-stirring  echoes,  when  the  auxions 
grufip  of  ofBcers  were  surprised  and  startled  by  a  sudden  flash,  the  report  of 
a  f5econd  rifle  from  the  common,  and  the  whizzing  of  a  bullet  past  their  ears, 
lliis  was  instantly  succeeded  by  a  fierce,  wild,  and  prolonged  cry,  expressive 
at  once  of  triumph  and  revenge.  It  was  that  peculiar  cry  which  an  Indian 
utters  when  the  reeking  rcalp  has  been  wrested  from  his  murdered  victim. 

"  Missed  him,  as  I  am  a  sinner,"  exclaimed  Sir  Ev^rard,  springing  to  his 
feet,  and  knocking  the  butt  of  his  rilie  on  the  ground  with  a  movement  of  im- 
patience. "  Sambo,  you  young  scoundrel,  it  was  all  your  fault, — you  moved 
your  shoulder  as  I  pulled  the  trigger.  Thank  heaven,  however,  the  aim  of  tho 
Indian  appears  to  have  been  no  better,  alt}iough  the  sharp  whistling  of  his 
ball  proves  his  piece  to  have  been  well  levelled  for  a  random  shot." 

"  His  aim  has  been  too  true,"  faintly  pronounced  the  voice  of  one  somewhat 
in  the  rear  of  his  companions.  "  The  ball  of  the  villain  has  found  a  lodg- 
ment in  my  breast.  God  bless  ye  all,  my  buys  ;  may  your  fates  be  more 
luckj  than  mine  !"  While  he  yet  spoke.  Lieutenant  Murphy  sank  into  tha 
urms  of  Blessington  and  De  Haldimar,  who  had  flown  to  him  at  the  first  in- 
timation of  hin  wound,  and  was  in  the  next  instant  a  corpse. 


CHAPTER  ir. 


"  To  your  companies,  gentlemen,  to  your  companies  on  the  instant.  There 
is  treason  in  the  fort,  and  we  had  need  of  all  our  diligence  and  caution.  Cap- 
tain De  Haldimar  is  missin;^;,  and  the  gate  has  been  found  unlocked.  QuicL 
gentlemeUj  quick ;  even  now  the  savages  may  be  around  us,  though  unseen." 

"  Captam  De  Haldimar  missing ! — the  gate  unlocked  !"  exclaimed  a  number 
of  voices.  "  Impossible ! — surely  we  are  not  betrayed  by  our  own  men." 
"  The  sentinel  has  been  relieved,  and  is  now  in  irons,"  resumed  the  communi- 
cator of  this  startling  piece  of  intelligence.  It  was  the  adjutant  of  the  regi- 
ment. 

"  Away,  gentlemen,  to  your  posts  immediately,"  said  Captain  Blessington, 
who,  aided  by  De  Haldimar,  hastened  to  deposit  the  stitlening  body  of  the 
unfortunate  Murphy,  which  they  still  supported,  upon  the  rampart.  Then 
addressing  the  adjutant,  •'  Mr.  Lawson,  let  a  couple  of  files  be  sent  immbJi. 
ately  to  remove  the  body  of  their  officer." 

"  That  shot  which  I  heard  fiom  the  common,  as  I  approached,  was  hot  fired 
at  random^  I  find,"  observed  the  adjutant,  as  they  all  now  hastily  descended 
to  join  their  men,  "  Who  has  fallen  ?'  "  Murphy,  of  the  grenadiers  "  W9fi  t)ie 
repl^  of  one  oear  km. 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnECY. 


17 


h,  the  report  or 


"  Poor  fellow !  our  work  commences  badly,"  resinned  Mr.  Lawson . 
"Murphy  killed  and  Captain  De  Ilaldimar  missing.  We  had  few  officera 
enough  to  spare  before,  and  their  loss  will  be  severely  felt;  I  greatly  fear  too, 
these  casualties  may  have  a  tendency  to  discourage*  the  men." 

"  Nothing  more  easy  than  to  supply  their  place,  by  promoting  some  of  our 
oldest  sergeants,"  observed  Ensign  Delrae,  who,  as  well  as  the  ill-fated  Mur- 
phy, had  risen  from  the  ranks.  '•  If  they  behave  themselves  well,  the  king 
will  confirm  their  appointments." 

"  But  my  poor  hiother,  what  of  him,  Lawson  ?  what  have  you  learnt  con- 
nected with  his  disapuoaranco  ?"  asked  Charles  de  Ilaldimar  with  deep  emo- 
tion. "  Nothing  satisfactory,  I  rm  sorry  to  say,"  rcfirncd  the  adjutant :  '•  m 
fact,  the  whole  affair  is  a  mystery  which  no  one  can  unravel ;  even  at  this  mo- 
ment the  sentinel,  Frank  L  alloway,  who  is  strongly  suspected  of  being  privy 
to  his  disappearance,  is  undergoing  a  private  examination  by  your  father,  the 
;;overnor." 

"Frank  TIallcwav  !"  rcptsated  the  yrxiih  with  a  start  of  astonishmHit  i 
'  surely  Halloway  could  never  prove  a  traitor, — and  especially  to  my  Drotlt«r 
whose  life  he  once  saved  at  the  peril  of  his  own." 

The  officers  had  now  gained  the  parade,  when  the  "  Fall  in,  gentlemen.  M\ 
in,"  quickly  pronounced  by  Major  Black  water,  prevented  all  further  question- 
ing on  the  part  of  the  younger  De  Ilaldimar.  The  scene,  though  circum- 
scribed in  limit,  was  picturesque  in  etleot,  and  might  have  been  happily  illus- 
trated by  the  pencil  of  the  painter.  The  immediate  area  of  the  parade  was 
filled  with  armed  men,  distributed  into  thiee  divisions,  and  forming,  with  their 
respective  ranks  facing  outwards,  as  many  sides  of  a  hollow  square,  the  mode 
of  defence  invariably  adopted  by  the  governor  in  all  cases  of  sudden  alarm. 

In  a  few  minutes  from  the  falling  in  of  the  officers  with  their  respective 
companies,  the  clank  of  irons  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  the  guard-room, 
and  several  forms  were  seen  slowly  advancing  into  the  area  already  occupi('d 
as  we  have  described.  This  party  was  preceded  by  the  adjutant  Lawson,  who, 
advancing  towards  Major  Bhickwater,  communicated  a  message,  that  was  fo' 
lowed  by  the  command  of  the  latter  officer  for  the  thiee  divisions  to  face  in- 
wards.  The  officer  of  artillery  also  gave  the  woid  to  his  men  to  form  lines 
of  single  files  immediately  in  the  rear  of  their  respective  guns,  leaving  space 
enough  for  the  entrance  of  the  approaching  party,  which  consisted  of  half  a 
dozen  files  of  the  guard,  under  a  non-commissioned  officer,  and  one  M'hose 
manacled  limbs,  rather  than  his  unaccoutred  uniform,  attested  him  to  be  not 
merely  a  prisoner,  but  a  prisoner  confined  for  some  serious  and  fiagrant  of- 
ffence. 

This  party  now  advanced  through  the  vacant  quarter  of  the  square,  and 
took  their  stations  immediately  in  the  centre.   Here  the  countenances  of  each, 
nd  particularly  that  of  thi  prisoner,  who  was,  if  we  may  so  term  it,  the  cen- 
tre of  that  centre,  were  th"  »wn  into  strong  relief  by  the  bjight  glare  of  the 
torches,  so  that  the  features  of  the  prisoner  stood  revealed  to  those  around  as 
plainly  as  if  it  had  been  nooi  day.   Not  a  sound,  not  a  murmur,  escaped  fiom 
he  ranks :  but,  though  tli  >  eti(iuette  and  strict  laws  of  military  discipline 
hained  all  speech,  the  work  ngs  of  the  inward  mind  remained  unchecked ;  and 

they  recognised  in  the  prisoner  Frank  Halloway,  one  of  the  bravest  and 
oldest  in  the  field,  and  as  all  had  hitherto  imagined,  one  of  the  most  devoted 

his  duly  au  irrepressible  thrill  of  amazement  and  dismay  crept  thioughout 


f  ! 


f     ,i  i 


IS 


WACOUSTA,  OK,  THE  PROPUICY. 


the  flames  aixl  for  n  tnc  ucnt  hlaiithed  Uio  clieeks  of  thos'j  especially  whobe- 
lonjic'd  to  Ute  siiiiic  coinpiUiy.  On  being  summonvd  from  their  fruitless  search 
iiftur  the  Ktuiiiuir.  to  fall  in  without  delay,  it  had  been  w  hispered  among  the 
men  thill  treason  had  crept  into  the  fort,  and  a  traitor,  partly  detected  in  his 
crime,  had  Iteen  anested  a-nd  thrown  into  irons:  but  the  idea  of  Frank  IIullo- 
way  l)eing  that  ti  aitor  was  the  lust  that  could  have  enteied  into  their  thoughts, 
and  yet  they  now  beheld  him  covered  with  every  mark  of  ignominy,  and  dbout 
to  answer  his  hijih  ollence,  in  all  human  probability,  with  Iiis  life. 

With  the  ollicers  the  reputation  of  Iluiloway  for  c«  nrage  an'  Hdelity  stood 
no  less  high  ;  l»iit.  while  they  secretly  lamented  the  t,..cumstHiiv.esof  his  defal- 
ration,  they  n»uld  not  disguise  from  themselves  the  almost  certainty  of  his 
gtiilt.  for  each,  as  he  now  gazed  ujion  the  j)risoner,  recollected  the  confusion 
and  hesitation  of  nianner  he  had  evinced  when  questioned  by  them  preparatory 
to  their  ascending  to  the  ramparts. 

Once  more  the  s)jspense  of  the  moment  was  interniptcd  by  the  entrance  of 
other  forms  into  the  area.  They  were  those  of  the  adjutant,  followe<l  by  a 
drummer,  Ijearing  his  instrument,  and  the  governor's  orderiy,  charged  \vith 
pens,  ink.  paper,  and  a  book  which,  from  its  peculiar  form  and  color,  every 
one  present  knew  to  be  a  copy  of  the  articles  of  war.  A  variety  of  contending 
omotiojis  passed  through  the  breasts  of  many,  as  they  witne.s.sed  the  silent 
progress  of  these  prepaiations,  rendered  »  iim"ully  intere.sting  by  the  peculiarity 
of  their  position,  and  the  wildness  of  the  .lOur  at  which  they  thus  found  them> 
Helves  assembled  to.gether.  The  pi'i.soner  himself  was  unmoved ;  he  stood 
proiiri.  cahn.  and  fearless,  amid  the  guard,  of  whom  he  had  so  recently  formtvj 
ym  j  and  though  his  countenance  was  pale,  as  much,  perhaps,  trom  a  sen.se  oi 
tha  ignominious  character  in  which  he  appeared  as  from  more  private  con- 
sidoiations,  still  tl)ero  was  nothing  to  denote  either  the  abjecioness  of  fear  or 
the  consciousness  of  merited  disgnice.  Once  or  twice  a  low  sobbing,  that  pro- 
ceeded at  intervals  from  one  cf  the  baiTack  windows,  caught  his  ear,  and  he 
tui'iied  his  j^'lance  in  that  direction  with  a  restless  anxiety,  which  he  exerted 
himself  in  the  instant  afterwards  to  repress}  but  this  was  the  cnly  mark  of 
emotion  he  betrayed. 

The  above  dispositions  having  been  hastily  made,  the  adjutant  and  his  ai^ 
sistants  once  more  retired.  After  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  a  tall  mart.'il-looking 
.Dan,  habited  in  a  bhie  itilitary  frock,  and  of  handsome,  though  stern,  haughty, 
and  inllexible  features,  entered  the  area.  He  was  followed  by  Major  Black- 
water,  the  captain  of  artillery,  and  Aljutant  Lawson. 

"  Are  the  garrison  all  present,  I>Ir.  Law.son  ?  are  the  officers  all  present  ?'• 

"  All  except  those  of  the  guard,  sir,"  replied  the  adjutant,  touching  his  hat 
with  a  submission  that  was  scrupulously  exacted  on  all  occasions  of  duty  by 
his  superior. 

The  governor  passed  his  hand  for  a  moment  over  his  brows.  It  seemed  to 
those  around  him  as  if  the  mention  of  that  guard  had  called  up  recollections 
which  gave  him  pain ;  and  it  might  be  .so.  for  his  eldest  .son.  Captain  Frederick 
de  Haldmuu-,  had  conunanded  the  guard.  Whither  he  had  disappeaieU,  or  in 
what  manner,  no  one  knew. 

"  Are  the  artillery  ail  present.  Captain  Wentworth?"  again  demanded  the 
goveinoi-,  after  a  moment  of  silence,  and  in  his  wonted  Qj;m  authoritative  voictt. 

"  All  present,  sir,"  rejoined  tne  officer,  following  tii«  example  of  the  adjtth 
ttwt,  ftnd  saluting  his  chiefe 


^TAcofiTA,  •«.  TU  FBornrr. 


19 


•"*  Then  let  a  drum-liead  court-martial  be  assembled  immediately,  Mr.  T-:i\f  • 
•on,  and  without  reference  to  the  roster  let  the  senior  oUicers  be  selcjctcd." 

The  a^ljutaut  went  round  to  the  respective  divisions,  and  in  a  low  voire 
warned  Captain  Blessington,  and  the  four  senior  sul»alteiiis.  for  tiiat  i.'wty. 
One  by  one  the  otiicers,  as  they  were  severally  called  upon,  left  llaMr  pl.icetJ 
in  the  square,  and  sheathing  their  swords,  stopped  into  that  part  of  thf  aira 
appointed  as  their  temporary  court.  They  were  now  all  asscniblcd,  and  ( 'a|>- 
tain  Blessington,  the  senior  of  his  rank  in  the  garrison,  was  preparing  to  ad- 
minister the  customary  oaths,  when  the  prisoner  Ilalloway  advaiit't'd  a  pace 
or  two  in  front  of  his  escort,  ami  reujoving  his  cap,  in  a  clear,  lirm,  but  re- 
spectful voice,  thus  addresswl  the  governor  : — 

"  Colonel  ue  Ilaldiiuar,  that  I  am  no  traitor,  as  I  have  already  told  you. 
the  Almighty  Ood,  before  whom  I  swore  allegiance  to  his  majesty,  can  bear 
me  witness.  Appearances,  I  own,  are  against  me;  but,  .so  far  from  being  a 
traitor,  I  would  have  shed  my  last  di'0{)  of  blood 'in  defence  of  the  garrison  and 
»our  family.  Colonel  do  flaldimar."  he  {)ursued.  after  a  momentary  pause,  in 
which  he  .seemed  to  be  struggling  to  subdue  the  emotion  which  rose,  desjiitfl 
of  him.self.  to  his  throat,  "I  repeat,  I  am  no  traitor,  and  I  scorn  the  imputa- 
tion— but  here  is  my  best  answer  to  the  charge.  This  wound,  (and  he  un- 
buttoned his  jacket,  opened  his  shirt,  and  disclosed  a  deep  scar  upon  his  white 
che.st.)  this  wound  I  received  in  defence  of  my  captain's  life  at  Quebec.  Had 
I  not  loved  him.  I  should  not  .so  have  expo.sed  myself,  neither  but  for  that 
should  I  now  stand  in  the  situation  of  shame  and  danger,  in  which  my  com- 
rades behold  me." 

Every  heart  was  touched  by  this  appeal — this  bold  and  manly  ai)peal 
to  tiie  consideration  of  the  governor.  The  officer.s,  especially,  who  were  fully 
conversant  with  the  general  merit  of  Ilalloway,  were  deeply  affected,  and 
Charles  de  Haldimar — the  young,  the  generous,  the  feeling  Charles  de  llaldi- 
mar,  even  shed  tears. 

"What  mean  you,  prisoner?"  interrogated  the  oovernor.  after  a  short 
pause,  during  which  he  appeared  to  be  weighing  and  !  'hieing  inferences  from 
the  e.jpreasions  just  uttered.  "  What  mean  you.  ^  v  <  rwv^.  but  for  that  Tal- 
Indiog  to  your  legard  for  Captain  de  Ilaldunar)  you  would  not  now  be  m  this 
situation  of  shame  and  danger  ?" 

The  prisoner  hesitated  a  moment ;  and  then  rejoined,  but  in  a  tone  that 
had  less  of  tirnmess  in  it  than  before, — '"Colonel  de  llaidnua-r,  I  am  not  at 
liberty  to  state  my  meaning ;  for,  though  a  private  soldier,  1  respect  my  word, 
and  have  pledged  my.self  to  .secrecy."  * 

"  You  respect  your  word,  and  have  pledged  j'our.self  to  secrecy  I  What 
mean  you,  man,  by  this  rhodomontade  ?  To  whom  can  you  have  pJedgeu 
yo'lirself,  and  for  what,  unless  it  be  to  some  secret  enemy  without  the  walls  7 
Gep.tlemen,  proceed  to  your  duty  :  it  is  evident  that  the  man  is  a  traitor,  even 
from  his  own  admission.  On  my  life,"  he  pursued,  more  hurriedly,  and 
speaking  in  an  under  toiie,  as  if  to  him.self,  "  the  fellow  has  been  bribed  by, 

and  is  connected  With ."     The  name  escaped  not  his  lips ;  for,  aware 

of  the  emotion  he  was  betraying,  he  suddenly  checked  himself,  and  assumed 
his  wonted  stern  and  authoritative  bearing. 

Once  more  the  prisoner  addressed  the  governor  in  the  same  clear,  firm  v<mo6 
yi  ^bioii  iie  had  Opened  his  appeal. 


90 


WACOUSTA,  on,  THE  PUOPIIErY. 


.     I 


ff  I- 


11 


*  Colonel  do  IlaMimar,  I  have  no  connection  with  any  living  soul  without 
the  fort :  and  again  I  repeat,  I  am  no  traitor,  but  a  true  and  loyal  British 
■oldier  as  my  services  in  this  war,  and  my  comrades,  can  well  attest.  Still, 
I  seek  'not  to  shun  that  death  which  I  have  braved  a  dozen  times  at  least  in 

the regiment.    All  that  I  ask  is,  that  I  may  not  bo  tried— that  I  may 

not  have  the  shame  of  hearing  sentence  pronounced  against  me  yet ;  but  if 
nothing  should  occur  before  eight  o'clock  to  vindicate  my  character  from  this 
disgrace,  I  will  offer  up  no  further  prayer  for  mercy.  In  the  name  of  that 
Ufe  therefore,  which  I  once  preserved  to  Captain  de  Ilaldimar,  at  the  price  of 
my  own  blood,  I  entreat  a  respite  from  trial  until  then." 

"  In  the  name  of  Qod  and  all  his  angels,  let  mercy  reach  your  soul,  and 

grant  his  prayer !"  ,,.,..  it. 

Every  ear  was  startled— every  heart  touched  by  the  plamtive,  melancholy, 
silver  tones  of  the  voice  that  faintly  pronounced  the  last  appeal,  and  all  rec- 
ognized it  for  that  of  the  young,  interesting,  and  attached  wife  of  the  prisoner. 
Again  the  latter  tiimed  his  gaze  towards  tno  window  whence  the  sound  pro- 
ceeded, and  by  the  glare  of  the  torches  a  tear  was  distinctly  seen  by  many 
coursing  down  his  manly  cheek.  The  weakaess  was  momentary.  In  tho 
next  instant  he  closed  his  shirt  and  coat,  and  resuming  his  cap  stopi)cd  back 
once  more  amid  his  guaxd,  where  he  remained  stationary,  with  the  air  of  one 
who.  having  nothing  further  to  hope,  has  resolved  to  endure  the  worst  that 
can  nappen  with  resignation  and  fortitude. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  again  devoted  to  much  apparent  deep 
thought  and  coi\jecture,  the  governor  once  more,  and  rather  hurriedly,  ro- 
■umM,— 

"  In  the  event,  prisoner,  of  this  delay  in  your  trial  being  granted,  will  vou 
pledge  yomself  to  disclose  the  secret  to  which  you  have  alluded  ?  Recollect, 
there  is  nothing  but  that  which  can  save  your  memory  from  being  consignea 
to  infamy  for  c^er ;  for  who,  among  your  comrades,  will  believe  the  idle  de- 
nied of  your  treachery,  when  there  is  the  most  direct  proof  against  you  ?  If 
your  secret  die  with  you,  moreover,  every  honest  man  will  consider  it  as  hav- 
ing  been  one  ".'  infamous  and  injurious  to  your  character,  that  you  were  asham- 
ed to  reveal  it" 

These  suggestions  of  the  colonel  were  not  without  their  effect ;  for,  in  the 
sudden  swemng  of  the  prisoner's  chest,  as  allusion  was  made  to  the  disgrace 
that  would  attach  to  his  memory,  there  was  evidence  of  a  high  and  generous 
spirit,  to  whom  obloquy  was  far  more  hateful  than  even  death  itself. 

"  I  do  promise."  be  at  length  replied,  stepping  forward,  and  uncovering  him- 
self as  before, — "  if  no  one  appear  to  justify  my  conduct  at  the  hour  I  have 
named,  a  full  disclosure  of  all  I  know  touching  this  affair  shall  be  made.  XoA 
mftv  G(d,  of  his  infinite  mercy,  grant,  for  Captain  de  Haldimar's  sake,  as  wvll 
u  mine,  I  may  not  then  be  wholly  deserted  !'*' 

There  was  something  so  peculiarly  solemn  and  impressive  in  the  manner  in 
which  the  unhappy  man  now  expressed  himself,  that  a  feeling  of  thg  utmost 
awe  crept  into  the  bosoms  of  the  surrounding  throng ;  and  more  than  one 
veteran  of  the  grenadiers,  the  company  to  which  Halloway  belonged,  was 
heard  to  relieve  nis  chest  of  the  long  pent-up  sigh  that  struggled  for  release. 

•  Enough,  prisoner,"  rejoined  the  governor  j  "  on  this  conation  do  I  grant 
your  request ;  but  recollect, — 'jour  disclosure  ensures  no  hope  of  pardon,  ua- 


WACOUSTA,  OB,  THE  PROPHSCT. 


21 


ing  soul  vdthout 
nd  loyal  British 
ell  attest.  Still, 
times  at  least  in 
riod— that  I  mav 
i  me  yet;  but  if 
aracter  from  this 
le  name  of  that 
r,  at  the  price  of 

your  soul,  and 

;ive,  melancholy, 
eal,  and  all  rec- 

of  the  prisoner. 
>  the  sound  pr»- 
Y  seen  by  many 
sntary.  In  the 
ip  8topj)ed  back 
h  the  air  of  one 

the  worst  that 

apparent  deep 
r  hurriedly,  ro- 

rantod,  will  you 
ed?  Recollect, 
being  consigned 
3ve  the  idle  de- 
ainst  you  ?  If 
>sider  it  as  hay- 
ou  were  asham- 

5ct  J  for,  in  the 
to  the  aisgrace 
1  and  generous 
itself. 

ncoverine  him- 
e  hour  I  have 
« made,  ^ind 
's  sake,  as  w»]I 

the  manner  in 
of  th§  utmost 
[lore  than  one 
t)olonged,  was 
d  for  release, 
on  do  I  grant 
»f  pardon,  un- 


lesM.  indeed,  you  have  the  f\ille8t  proof  to  offer  in  your  defbnco.    Do  yon  par 

fectly  understand  me  ?" 

"  I  do,"  replied  the  soldier  firmly ;  and  again  he  placed  his  cap  on  hii  head, 
and  retired  a  step  or  two  back  among  the  guard. 

"  Mr.  Lawson.  let  the  prisoner  be  removed,  and  conducted  to  one  of  the 
private  cells.     Who  is  the  subaltern  of  the  guard  ?" 

"  Ensign  Fortescue,"  was  the  answer. 

"  Then  let  Ensign  Fortescue  keep  the  key  of  the  cell  himself.  Tell  him 
moreover,  I  shall  hold  him  individually  responsible  for  his  charge." 

Once  more  the  prisoner  was  marched  out  of  the  area ;  and,  as  the  clanking; 
sound  of  his  chains  became  gradually  fainter  in  the  distance,  the  same  roico 
that  had  before  interrupted  the  proceedings,  pronounced  a  "  God  be  praised  ! 
Ood  be  praised  !"  with  such  melody  of  sorrow  in  its  intonations  that  no  ono 
could  listen  to  it  unmoved.  Both  officers  and  men  were  more  or  less  affected, 
and  all  hoped — they  scarcely  knew  why  or  what — but  all  hoped  something 
favorable  would  occur  to  save  the  life  of  the  brave  and  unhappy  Frank  Hal- 
loway. 

Of  the  first  interruption  b^  the  wife  of  thv.  orisoner  the  governor  had  taken 
no  notice  ;  but  on  this  repetition  of  the  expre  usion  of  her  feelings  he  briefly 
summoned,  in  the  absence  of  the  adjutant,  the  sergeant-major  of  the  r^imenc 
to  his  side. 

"  Sergeant-major  Bletson,  T  desire  that,  in  future,  on  all  occasions  of  thin 
kind,  the  women  of  the  regiment  may  be  kept  out  of  the  way.  Look  to  it, 
sir  !'♦ 

The  sergcant-mnjor,  who  had  stood  as  erect  as  his  own  halbert,  which  ho 
held  before  him  in  a  saluting  position,  during  this  brief  admonition  of  hii 
colonel,  acknowledged  by  a  certain  air  of  deferential  respect  and  dropping  of 
the  eyes,  unaccompaiii  id  by  speech  of  any  kind,  that  he  felt  the  reproof,  anil 
would,  in  future,  take  care  to  avoid  all  similar  cause  for  complaint.  He  then 
stalked  stiffly  away,  and  resumed,  in  a  few  hasty  strides,  his  position  in  rear 
of  the  troops. 

"  Hard-hearted  man  !"  pursued  the  same  voice :  "  if  my  prayers  of  grati- 
tude tr  heaven  give  offence,  may  the  hour  never  come  when  my  lips  shall 
pronounce  their  bitterest  curse  upon  your  severity !" 

There  was  something  so  plainly  wild — so  solemnly  prophetio^in  these 
sounds  of  sorrow  as  they  fell  faintly  upon  the  ear,  and  especially  under  thu 
extraordinary  circumstances  of  the  night,  that  they  might  have  been  taken 
for  the  warnmgs  of  some  supernatural  a^j^ency.  During  their  utterance,  not 
even  the  breathing  of  human  life  was  to  be  heard  in  the  ranks.  In  the  next 
inatant,  however,  Sergeant-major  Bletson  was  seen  repairing,  with  long,  and 
ha<)ty  strides,  to  the  barrack  whence  the  voice  proceeded,  and  the  interruption 
was  heard  no  more. 

Meanwhile  the  officers,  who  had  been  summoned  from  the  ranks  for  tho 
purpose  of  forming  the  court-martial,  still  lingered  in  the  centieof  the  square, 
Bpftarently  waiting  for  the  order  of  their  superior,  before  they  should  resume 
their  respective  stations.  As  the  quick  and  comprehensive  glance  of  Oolonel 
de  Haldimar  now  embraced  the  group,  he  at  once  became  sensible  of  the  ab- 
sence of  one  of  the  seniors,  all  of  whom  he  had  desired  should  be  aelttolid  ftr 
the  court-martial. 


i 


I 


S3 


TTACOrSTA.  on,  TTTF.  rnopfiEoT. 


"Mr.  T.ftwsoM."  lie  n-njarkcd.  somowlmt  sternly,  ii''  t.ie  adjntnnl  iit»\v  no 
turni'«l  froih  .lilivnin;:  o\  t  his  pri-i.tu-r  to  Kiisinn  Fortcsi-uo,  "  I  thought  1 
nndi-rsiood  from  your  n-i  »rt  flif  ollii-crs  Wfre  nil  pn'sent !" 

'*  I  holii'Vf.  sir.  my  r«i»ort  will  lie  found  pcrfLrtly  correct,"  rotiim(Ml  th«i 
idjiitapt.  in  a  tone  \vli;-!i,  without  bi'in;j  disrespectful,  marked  his  offended 
gensi-  of  tilt'  implic.ition. 

"And  IJeutmant  Murphy  — — " 

•'  Is  hcri'.  sir,"  said  the  a-ljutaiit,  pointinj?  to  a  couplu  of  flics  of  the  pnartl, 
who  were  l»eariM^r  a  heavy  liiinlen,  and  lollowinfr  into  the  s(|unre.  "  Lieutcn- 
»nt  Murphy."  lie  pinsued  ''has  been  slutt  on  the  ramparts;  and  1  have,  as 
directed  hy  Tap'aiii  Filessin^ton.  caused  the  body  to  be  broujrht  here,  that  I 
may  rec'^veyonr  onkrs  respecting;  the  internient."  As  he  spoke,  he  removed 
a  Inn?  military  ^rrey  cloak,  which  completely  enshrotidcd  the  corpse,  and  di.s- 
ch..  ed.  by  tli.''  li,L'hi  of  the  iitill  bri-ihtly  lla'ming  torches  of  the  gunners,  the 
features  of  the  tuirortuuale  Murphy. 

"  How  difl  he  meet  his  death  ?"  enquired  the  governor  ;  without,  however, 
manifestin,'^  the  slijrhtest  sinprisc.  or  appearing  at  all  moved  at  the  discovery. 
'•  l{y  a  rille  shot  I i red  from  the  couuuon.  near  the  old  bomb-proof,"  ob- 
served Captain  Hlessin^ton.  as  the  adjutant  looked  to  him  for  the  particular 
explanation  he  could  not  render  himself. 

•'Ah  !  this  reminds  me."  pursued  the  austere  commandant, — "there  was  a 
shot  fired  also  from  the  ramparts.     Hy  whom,  and  at  what?" 

'*  Hy  me.  sir."  said  Lieutenant  Vallctort,  coming  forward  from  the  ranks. 
"  and  at  what  I  conceived  to  be  an  Indian,  lurking  as  a  spy  upon  the  common." 
"Then,  Lieutenant  Sir  Evcrard  Vallctort,  no  repetition  of  these  firings,  if 
;70u  please  ;  and  let  it  l)e  borne  in  mind  by  all,  that  although,  from  the  pe- 
culiar nature  of  the  si'rvice  in  which  we  are  engaged,  I  .so  far  depart  from 
the  t'stablished  rc^tilations  of  the  army  as  to  permit  my  officers  to  aim 
themselves  with  rilles,  they  are  to  be  u.sed  only  os  occa.sion  may  require  in 
the  lioui  of  coullict,  and  not  for  the  purpose  of  throwing  a  whole  garrison 
mto  alarm  by  trials  of  skill  and  dexterity  upon  shadows  at  this  uuseasoriable 
hour." 

"  I  was  not  aware,  sir."  returned  Sir  Everard  proudly,  and  secretly  gallod 
at  being  thus  addres.sed  before  the  men,  "it  could  be  deemed  a  military  crime 
to  destroy  an  enemy  at  whatever  liour  he  might  present  him.sclf,  and  esptMit- 
ally  on  stieli  an  occasion  as  the  present.  As  for  my  firing  at  a  shadow,  tho.se 
who  lu'ard  the  yell  that  followed  the  second  shot,  can  determine  that  it  came 
from  no  shadow,  hut  from  a  fieice  and  vindictive  enemy.  The  cry  denoted 
cveji  something  more  tlian  the  ordinary  deliance  of  an  I.-tdian :  it  seemed  to 
express  a  lieudisli  .sentuueut  of  jK-rsonul  triumph,  and  revenge." 

The  governor  st.irted  involuntarily.  "  Do  you  imagine.  Sir  Everard  Valle- 
"■on.  the  aim  of  your  riile  was  true— that  yoti  hit  bun  ?" 

The  fpiestion  wus  asked  .so  hurriedly,  and  m  a  tone  .so  different  from  that 
in  which  he  had  hitherto  spoken,  that  the  othccrs  around  simultaneously 
raised  their  eyes  to  those  of  their  colonel  with  an  expres.sion  of  undi.ssembicd 
surprise.  He  ob.scrved  it,  and  instantly  resumed  his  habitual  sternness  cf 
look  and  manner. 

"  I  rather  fear  not,  sir."  replied  Sir  Everard,  who  had  principally  remarked 
the  cmotioDj  "  but  may  I  hope  ^and  this  was  said  with  emphasis),  in  the  evi- 


— "  there  was  a 


verard  Valle- 


WACOtSTA.  on.  TTTE  rf-oPHKCY.  ^3 

rtcnt  <H«jnppointmcnt  yon  expenoncc  at  my  want  of  sticcoss,  my  oITi  nco  may 
be  ovcrlooKcd  ?" 

The  governor  fixed  his  ponetratinfj  eyc8  on  the  Bponkcr.  ns  if  he  v»oul(l  have 
read  his  inmost  mind  ;  and  then  cnhnly,  and  even  inipn's.sivtly  ohservi-tl. — 

"  Sir  Everard  Vallotort.  T  da  (ucrlook  t)>c  ott'ciuv.  nnd  ho|»'  yon  may 
an  easily  forgive  yourHvlf.  It  wtiro  well,  however,  il  al  )t»iir  luiiiMTi-iion, 
which  can  only  find  its  excuse  in  your  being  so  yoiinjr  nn  nHictr.  hiul  not  been 
h1  together  without  some  po<jd  restilt.  Had  you  killed  or  disabled  the — the 
u^vaeo.  there  mijiht  have  been  p.  dwent  pallintivo  ollerrd  btit  wbnl  muf't  b« 
your  foe.mgs,  sir,  when  you  reflect,  the  death  ot  yon  officer,"  aiiQ  he  poiwteu 
to  the  corpse  of  the  unhappy  Muiphy,  "  is.  in  a  great  <legree,  attribiitablc  to 
yourself?  Had  yon  not  provoked  the  anger  of  the  savage,  and  given  a  direc* 
tion  to  his  aim  by  the  impotent  and  wanton  discharge  of  your  own  rifle,  thi? 
accident  would  never  have  hapiKMiefl." 

This  severe  reproving  of  an  ollicer,  who  had  acted  fi'»m  the  most  praise- 
worthy of  motives,  and  who  coul !  not  possibly  have  anticipated  the  unfortu. 
nate  catastrophe  that  had  occurred,  »va8  considered  especially  harsh  and  un- 
kind by  every  one  present ;  and  a  low  and  almost  inaudible  murmur  passed 
through  the  company  to  which  Sir  Everard  was  attached.  For  a  minute  or 
two  that  officer  appeared  deeply  pained  not  more  from  the  reproof  itself  than 
from  the  new  light  in  which  the  observation  of  his  chief  had  taught  him  to 
view,  for  the  first  time,  the  causes  that  had  led  to  the  fall  of  Murpliy.  Find- 
ing, however,  that  the  governor  had  no  further  remarks  to  address  to  him,  he 
once  more  returned  to  his  station  in  the  ranks. 

"  Mr.  Lawson,"  resumed  the  commandant,  turning  to  tlie  adjutant,  "  let 
this  victim  be  carriwl  to  the  spot  on  which  he  fell,  and  there  mtened.  1 
know  no  better  grave  for  a  soldier  than  beneath  the  sod  that  has  been  mois- 
tened with  his  blood.  Recollect,"  he  continued,  as  the  adjutant  once  more 
le<l  the  party  out  of  the  area, — "  no  firing,  Mr.  Law-soii.  The  duty  nuist  be 
silently  performed,  and  without  the  risk  of  provoking  a  forest  of  arrows,  or  a 
shower  of  bullets,  from  the  savages.  Major  Blackwatei."  he  pursued,  as  soon 
as  tlie  corp.sc  had  been  removed,  "  let  the  men  pile  their  arms  even  as  they 
now  stand,  and  remain  ready  to  fall  in  at  a  minute's  notice.  Should  any- 
thing extraordinary  happen  before  the  mofning,  you  will,  of  course,  apprise 
me."  He  then  strode  out  of  the  area  with  the  same  haughty  and  measured 
step  that  had  characteris'^d  his  entrance. 

"  Our  colonel  does  not  appear  to  be  in  one  of  his  most  amiable  moods  to- 
night," observed  Captain  blessington,  as  the  officer.s,  after  having  disposed 
of  their  respective  companies,  now  proceeded  along  the  ramparts  to  a.ssist  at 
the  last  funeral  oflRces  of  their  unhappy  a.<?sociate.  "  lie  was  disposed  to  be 
severe,  and  must  have  put  you,  in  some  measure,  out  of  conceit  with  your 
favorite  rifle,  Valletort." 

"  True,"  rejoined  the  baronet,  who  had  already  rallied  from  the  momentary 
depression  of  his  spirits,  "  he  hit  me  devilish  hard,  I  confess,  and  was  disposed 
to  display  more  of  the  commanding  officer  than  quite  suits  my  ideas  of  the 
pervk».  His  words  were  as  caustic  as  his  looks ;  and  could  both  have  pierc- 
ed me  to  the  quick,  there  was  no  inclination  on  his  part  wanting.  By  my 
soul  I  could  ....  In  1 1  forgive  him.  He  is  the  father  of  my  friend :  and  for 
that  reason  will  I  ohew  the  cud  of  my  mortification,  nor  suffer,  if  possible, 


24 


WACOrsTA,  OR,  TBE  PROl'IIECr. 


t; 

• 

i        ■: 
1  j     I 

i-  '     ■ 

)■ 

1 

s. 

i.    :       . 
:    ■      I 

^   '      i 

'] 

A  sense  of  his  iiiikiniliicss  to  rankle  at  my  heart.  At  all  events,  Blessington, 
my  mind  is  made  up,  and  resign  or  e.ychange  I  certainly  shall  the  instant  I 
find  a  decent  loop-liole  to  creep  out  of." 

Sir  Everard  fancied  the  ear  of  his  captain  was  alone  listening  to  these  ex- 
pressions nf  his  feeliii'j:.  or  in  all  itrob.iliility  he  would  not  have  uttered  them. 
As  he  concluded  the  last  sentence,  however,  he  fcit  his  arm  gently  grasped  by 
one  who  walked  a  pace  or  two  silently  in  their  rear.    lie  turned,  and  recog. 
nized  Charles  de  Ilaldimar. 

"  I  am  sure,  \'alletort,  you  will  believe  how  much  pained  I  have  been  at 
the  severity  of  iny  father  ;  but.  indeed,  there  \\*as  nothing  personally  offensive 
intended.  Blessiiigton  can  ted  you.  as  well  as  m^'self,  it  is  his  manner  alto- 
gether. Nay,  that  althoup;h  he  is  the  first  in  .seniority  after  Blackvvater,  the 
governor  treats  him  witli  the  same  distance  and  hauteur  he  would  use  towards 
the  youngest  ensiy;n  in  the  service.  Such  are  the  effects  of  his  long  military 
habits,  and  his  ideas  of  the  absolutism  of  command.  Am  I  not  right,  Bles- 
sington ?" 

*'  Quite  right,  Charles.    Sir  Sverard  may  .satisfy  himself  his  is  no  solstarv 
Instance  of  the  stern  .severity  of  your  father.     Still,  1  confess,  BotwithstAn<l 
mg  the  rigidity  of  manner  which  he  seems,  on  all  occasions,  to  think  so  in- 
dispensable to  the  maintenance  of  authority  in  a  commanding  officer,  I  nevei 
knew  him  so  inclined  to  find  fault  as  he  is  to-niglrt." 

"  Perhap.s  "  observed  Valletort,  good  humoredly,  ''  his  con.'^cienco  is  rather 
restless  ;  and  he  is  willing  to  get  rid  of  it  and  his  spleen  altogether  1  would 
wager  my  rifle  against  the  worthless  .seal ^  >f  the  rascal  I  iire(i  at  lo-night.  that 
this  .same  stranger,  whose  asserted  appearance  has  called  us  from  our  comfort- 
able beds,  is  but  the  creation  of  his  disturbed  d-cams.  Indeed,  how  is  it  pos- 
sible anything  formed  of  flesh  and  blood  could  1  ave  e.scaped  us  with  the  vigi- 
lant watch  that  has  been  kept  on  the  ramparts  ?  'j'he  old  gentleman  certainly 
had  that  illusion  strongly  impressed  on  his  mind  when  he  so  sapiently  spoke 
of  my  firing  at  a  shadow." 

"  But  the  gatc'Snterrupted  Charles  de  Ilaldimar.  with  something  of  mild 
reproach  in  his  tones, — "you  forget.  Vallctoi't,  the  gate  was  found  unlocked, 
and  that  my  brother  is  missing.  He.  at  least,  vvii^  flesh  and  blood,  as  you 
say,  and  yet  lie  has  disappeared.  What  more  j  rob  ible,  therefore,  than  that 
this  stranger  is  at  once  the  cause  and  the  agent  of  his  abduction  ?" 

"  Impossible,  Charles^"  observed  Captain  Blessington ; "  Frederick  was  in  the 
midst  of  his  guard.  How,  therefore,  could  he  be  conveyed  away  without  the 
alarm  being  given  ?  Numbers  only  could  have  succeeded  in  so  desperate  an 
enterprise ;  and  yet  there  is  no  evidence,  or  even  suspicion,  of  more  than  one 
iniiividual  haviiig  been  here." 

''  It  is  a  singular  affair  altogether,"  returned  Sir  Everard,  musingly.  ''  Of 
two  things,"  however,  I  am  satisfied.  The  first  is.  that  the  stranger,  whoever 
he  may  be,  and  if  he  really  has  been  here,  is  no  Indian ;  the  second,  that  he 
is  personally  known  to  the  governor,  who  has  been,  or  I  mistake  much,  more 
alarmed  at  his  individual  presence  than  if  Pontcac  and  his  whole  band  had 
suddenly  broken  in  upon  us.  Did  you  remark  his  emotion,  when  I  dwelt  on 
the  peculiar  character  of  personal  triumph  and  revt-nge  which  the  cry  of  th« 
lurking  villain  outside  seemed  to  express  ?  and  did  you  notice  the  eagerness 


.  if' 
1 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


25 


witli  which  he  enquired  if  I  thought  I  had  hit  him  1    Depend  upon  It,  there  fa 
more  in  jvU  this  than  is  dreamt  of  in  our  philosophy." 

"  And  it  was  your  undisguised  perception  of  that  emotion,"  remarked 
Captain  Blcssington,  "  that  drew  down  his  severity  upon  your  own  head.  It 
was,  however,  too  palpahlc  not  to  be  not irod  by  all ;  iuid  T  dare  say  conjecture 
is  as  busily  and  as  vaguely  at  work  among  o  jr  companions  as  it  is  with  us. 
The  chie  to  the  mystery,  in  a  great  degree,  now  dwells  with  Frank  Ilalloway  ; 
and  to  him  we  must  look  for  its  elucidation.  His  disclosure  will  be  one,  I 
apprehend,  full  of  ignominy  to  himself  but  of  the  highest  interest  and  im- 
portance to  us  all.  And  yet  I  know  not  how  to  believe  the  man  the  traitor 
he  appears." 

"  Did  you  remark  that  last  harrowing  exclamation  of  his  wife  ?"  observed 
Charles  de  Ilaldimar,  in  a  tone  of  unspeakable  melancholy.  "  How  fearfully 
prophetic  it  sounded  in  my  ears.  I  know  no^  how  it  is,"  he  pursued,  "  but  I 
wish  I  had  not  heard  those  sounds ;  for  sinct»  that  moment  I  have  had  a  sad 
strange  presentiment  of  evil  at  my  heart.  Heaven  grant  my  poor  brother 
may  make  his  appearance,  as  I  still  trust  he  will,  at  the  hour  Halloway  seems 
to  expect,  for  if  not,  the  latter  most  assuredly  dies.  1  know  my  father  well/, 
and,  if  convicted  by  a  court  martial,  no  human  power  can  alter  the  destin}'^  that 
awaits  Frank  Halloway." 

"  Rally,  my  dear  Charles,  rally,"  said  Sir  Everard,  affecting  a  confidence  he 
did  not  feel  himself;  "indulge  not  in  these  idle  and  superstitious  fancies,  I 
pity  Halloway  from  my  soul,  and  feel  the  deepest  interest  in  his  pretty  and 
unhappy  wife ;  but  that  is  no  reason  why  one  should  attach  importance  to  the 
incoherent  expressions  wrung  from  her  in  the  agony  of  grief" 

"  It  is  kind  of  you,  Valletor%  to  endeavor  to  cheer  my  spirits,  when,  if  the 
^th  were  confessed,  you  ackr  owledge  the  influence  of  the  same  feelings.  ! 
thank  you  for  the  attempt,  but  time  alone  can  show  how  far  I  shall  have 
reason,  or  otherwise,  to  lamont  the  o^curj-ences  of  this  night." 

They  had  now  reached  that  part  of  the  ramparts  whence  the  shot  from  Sii 
Everard's  rifle  had  been  fired.     Several  men  were  occupied  in  digging  a  gravt 
in  the  precise  spot  on  whicli  the  uiifortunate  Murphy  had  stood  when  he  r<v 
ccived  his  death  wound  ;  and  into  this,  when  completed,  the  body,  enshroud 
ed  in  the  cloak  already  alluded  to,  was  deposited  by  his  companions 


CHAPTER  III. 

While  the  adjutant  was  yet  reading,  in  a  low  and  solemn  voice,  the  service 
for  the  dead,  a  fierce  and  distant  yell,  as  if  from  a  legion  of  devils,  burst  sud- 
denly from  the  forest,  and  brought  the  hands  of  the  startled  officers  instinc- 
tively to  their  swords.  This  appalling  cry  lasted  without  interruption,  for 
many  minutes,  and  was  then  as  abrupt!}'  checked  as  it  had  been  unexpectedly 
delivered.  A  considerable  pause  succeeded,  and  then  it  rose  with  even  niore 
startling  vehemence  than  before.  By  one  unaccustomed  to  those  devilish 
sounds,  pn  distinction  could  have  been  made  in  the  two  several  yells  that  had 
been  thus  savagely  pealed  forth  j  but  those  to  whom  practice  and  long  expe- 


dd 


WACOUSTA.  OR,  THT!  PrCPHECY. 


r 


rlence  In  the  warlike  hahils  and  customs  of  the  Indians  liad  rendered  tlieJr 
shouts  familiar,  at  once  divined,  or  fancied  they  divined,  the  cause.  The  first 
was,  to  their  conception,  a  veil  expressive  at  once  of  vengeance  and  disappoint- 
ment in  pursuit,— perhaps  of  some  prisoner  who  had  escaped  from  their  toils; 
the  second,  of  triimipli  and  siim<ss,— in  all  prn1)Mhility.  indicative  of  the  re- 
capture  of  that  pn.soner.  For  many  mimitcs  aftcrwuKis  the  otHcors  continued 
to  listen,  with  the  most  acliini;  attenlion,  for  a  repetition  of  the  cry,  or  even 
fainter  sounds,  that  iniirht  denote  either  a  nearer  approach  to  the  fort,  or  the 
final  departure  of  the  Indians.  After  the  second  yell,  however,  the  woods,  in 
the  heart  of  which  it  appeared  to  have  been  uttere<l,  were  Imried  in  as  pro- 
found a  silence  as  if  they  had  never  yet  echoed  back  the  voice  of  man  ;  and  all 
at  length  became  .satisfied  that  the  'Indians,  having  accomplished  some  parti- 
cular purpo.se,  had  retired  once  rnore  to  their  distant  encampment  for  tlie 
night.  Captain  Erskine  was  the  first  who  broke  the  almost  breathless  siJoncre 
that  prevailed  am.ong  themselves. 

"  On  ray  life,  I)e  Ilaldi.nar  is  a  prisoner  with  the  Indians.  He  has  been  av 
tempting  his  escape — has  been  detected. — followed,  and  again  fallen  into  their 
hands.  I  know  their  infernal  yells  but  too  well.  The  last  expressed  thoir 
savage  joy  at  the  capture  of  a  prisoner  ;  and  there  is  no  one  of  us  missing  bui 
De  Haldimar.'' 

"N')t  a  doubt  of  it,"  <said  Captain  Blessington  ;  the  cry  was  certainly  what 
you  describe  it,  and  Heaven  only  knows  what  will  be  the  fate  of  our  poor 
friend." 

No  other  officer  spoke,  for  all  were  oppressed  by  the  weight  of  their  own 
feelings,  and  sought  rather  to  give  indulgence  to  speculation  in  secret,  ihan  to 
share  their  impressions  with  their  companions.  Charles  de  Haldimar  stood  s 
little  in  the  rear,  leaning  his  hca<l  upon  his  hand  against  the  box  of  the  .sentry, 
(who  was  silently  though  anxiously  pacing  his  walk.)  and  in  »n  attitude  ex- 
pressive of  the  deepest  dejection  and  sorrow. 

"  I  suppose  I  must  finish  Lawson's  work,  although  I  am  but  a  poor  hand  at 
this  sort  of  thing,"  resumed  Captain  Erskine.  taking  up  the  prayer  ')ook  th». 
adjutant  had,  in  hastening  on  the  first  alarm  to  get  the  men  under  arms,  care- 
lessly thrown  on  the  grave  of  the  now  unconscious  Mur})hy. 

He  then  commenced  the  service  at  the  point  where  Mr.  Lawson  had  so 
abruptly  broken  off.  and  went  through  the  remainder  of  the  prayers.   A  verp 
^v,  rrinutes  sufilcod  for  the  p'^rformance  of  this  solemn  duty,  which  was  aflecif-i 
by  the  faint  dim  light  of  the  at  length  dawning  day,  and  the  iieu  in  attijm 
bnce  proceeded  to  fill  up  the  grave  of  their  officer. 

Gradually  th«  mists  that  had  fallen  during  the  latter  hours  of  the  night, 
Isgan  to  ascend  from  the  common,  and  dis{)erse  themselves  in  air.  conveying 
the  appearance  of  a  rolling  sheet  of  vapor  retiring  back  n[)on  itself,  and  dis- 
closing objects  in  succession,  until  the  eye  could  embrace  all  tluit  came  within 
its  extent  of  vision.  As  the  officers  yet  lingered  near  the  rude  grave  of  i.;>ir 
companion,  watching  with  abstracted  air  the  languid  and  almost  mechanical 
action  of  their  jaded  men.  as  they  emptied  shovel  after  shovel  of  the  damp 
earth  over  the  body  of  its  new  tenant,  tliey  were  suddenly'  startler  by  an  ex- 
prcs,«!ion  of  exultation  from  Sir  Everard  Valletort. 

"  By  Jupiter,  I  have  pinked  him,"  he  exclaimed  triumphantly.    "  I  kne>» 


''iVACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


27 


Mrs  of  the  nijiht, 
in  air.  conveying 
n  itself,  and  rli.s- 
tluit  cpme  witlijn 
rle  grave  of  i.jvir 
most  riochanical 
vel  of  the  damp 
artle'j  by  an  ex- 

ntly.    «I  kne\» 


toy  riflp  conM  not  err ;  and  as  for  my  siirlit.  T  have  earned  rxwr^y  too  many 
prize.s  in  tarpet-shootinir  to  have  hecn  dweived  in  tliat.  1 1  i' deiijihted  the 
old  froveriior  will  he.  Charles,  to  hear  this.  No  more  leeturiMj:.  I  am  sure,  for 
the  next  six  months  at  least ;"  and  the  young  officer  ruhhed  his  hands  to- 
gether, at  the  siirce.ss  of  his  shot,  with  as  much  satisfaction  and  inn-oncern  for 
,he  future,  as  if  he  had  been  in  his  own  nativq  Jiiigland,  in  ihc  nodsiofa 
prize-ring. 

Housed  by  the  observation  of  his  friend.  De  Ilaldiniar  quitted  his  position 
near  the  sentry  box.  and  advanced  to  the  outer  edge  of  the  rampart.  To  him, 
as  to  liis  companions,  the  outline  of  the  old  bomb-proof  was  now  distinctly 
visible.  l)Ut  it  was  some  time  befoi-e  ihey  could  discover,  in  the  direction  in 
which  Valletort  pointed,  a  dark  speck  upon  the  commor! ;  and  this  so  indis- 
inii'ily.  they  could  .scarcely  distinguish  it  with  the  naked  eye. 

"  Your  sight  is  quite  equal  to  your  aim.  Sir  Everard,"  remarked  Lieutenant 
.folmstone.  one  of  Erskine's  subalterns,  '"and  both  are  decidedly  superior  to 
tiiMie  ;  yet  I  used  to  be  thought  a  good  rifleman  too,  and  have  credit  for  an  eye 
no  less  keen  than  that  of  an  Indian;  you  have  the  advantage  of  me,  however;; 
for  I  honestly  admit  1  never  could  have  picked  ofT  yon  fellow  in  the  dark  as< 
you  have  done." 

As  the  dawn  increased,  the  dark  shadow  of  a  human  form,  stretched  at  its 
length  upon  the  ground,  became  perceptible ;  and  the  officers,  with  one 
imanimous  voice,  bore  loud  testimony  to  the  skill  and  dexterity  of  him  who 
had.  under  such  extreme  disadvantages,  accomplished  the  death  of  their  skulk- 
mg  enemy. 

"  liiavo,  Valletort,"  said  Charles  de  Ilaldiniar,  recovering  his  spirits,  as 
much  from  the  idea,  now  occuring  to  him.  that  this  miglit  indeed  be  the 
stranger  who.se  appearance  hsid  so  greatl}'  disturbed  his  father,  as  from  the 
cratilication  he  felt  in  the  praises  bestowed  on  his  friend.  "  Bravo,  my  dear 
fellow!"  then  approaching,  and  in  a  half  whisper,  "when  next  I  write  to 
I'lara.  I  shall  request  her,  witli  my  cousin's  assistance,  to  prepare  a  chapletof 
hays,  wherewith  I  sliall  myself  crown  you  as  their  proxy.  But  what  is  the 
matter  now,  Valletort  ?  Why  .stand  you  there  ga/ing  upon  the  common,  as 
if  the  victim  of  your  murderous  aim  was  rising  from  his  bloody  cov>  h,  to  re- 
proach j-ou  with  his  death  ?  Tell  me.  shall  I  write  to  Clara  for  th'.,  prize,  or 
Till  you  receive  it  from  her  own  hands  ?" 

"  Bid  her  rather  pour  her  curses  on  my  head  ;  and  to  those,  De  Ilaldima'*^ 
Add  your  own."  exclaimed  Sir  Everard,  at  length  raising  himself  from  th«j 
statue-like  position  he  had  assumed.  "Almighty  God,"  he  pursued,  in  the 
aame  tone  of  deep  agony,  "what  have  T  done  ?    Where  shall  I  hide  myself?" 

As  he  spoke  he  turned  away  from  his  companions,  and  covering  his  eyes 
with  his  hand,  with  quick  ar  d  unequal  steps,  even  like  those  of  a  drunken 
msin,  walkeil.  or  rather  ran.  along  the  rampart,  as  ^f  fearful  of  being  over- 
tjiken.  The  whole  group  of  officers,  and  Charles  de  Ilaldimar  in  particular, 
orcre  struck  with  dismay  at  the  language  and  action  of  Sir  Everard  ;  and  for 
^  moment  they  fancied  that  fatigue,  and  watching,  and  excitement,  ha  i  par- 
uallv  atlc'ted  his  brain.  But  when,  after  the  lapse  of  a  minute  or  twc  thej 
*gaiii  looked  out  upon  the  common,  the  secret  ol  his  agitation  was  too  iJiitD- 
fiilly  and  too  painfully  explained. 

YiThat  had  at  first  the  dusky  and  dingy  hue  of  a  half-naked  Indian,  was 


•4 
I 


,M 


M 


I  sg 


0 


23 


WACOlSTA,  (JH,  THK  PROPHECY. 


now 


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f 

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m 

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1 

1 

perceived,  by  tlie  bright  beams  of  light  just  gathering  in  the  east,  to  h% 
the'yiy  and  striking  uniform  of  a  British  officer.  Doubt  as  to  who  that  offi- 
cer  was  there  could  be  none,  for  the  white  sword-belt  suspended  over  the 
right  shoulder,  and  thrown  into  strong  relief  by  the  field  of  scarlet  on  which 
it  reposed,  denoted  the  wearer  of  this  distinguished  badge  of  duty  to  be  one 

If  they  coiild  regret  the  loss  of  such  a  companion  as  Murphy,  how  deep 
and  heartfelt  must  have  been  the  sorrow  they  experienced  when  they  beheld 
the  brave,  generous,  manly,  amiable,  and  highly-talented  Frederick  de  Haldi- 

IS 

b^ 
Notwithstanding  the  stern  .severity  _ 

circumstances,  however  critical  or  exciting,  could  surprise  into  relaxation  of 
his  habitual  statelincss,  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  name  two  yoimg  men 
more  universally  liked  and  esteemed  by  their  brother  officers  than  were  the 
De  Ilaldimars— the  first  for  the  qualities  already  named — the  second,  for  tho.se 
retiring,  mild,  winning  manners,  and  gentle  affections,  added  to  extreme  and 
almost  feminine  beauty  of  countemmcc  for  which  he  was  remarkable.  Ala.s, 
what  a  gloomy  picture  was  now  exhibited  to  the  minds  of  all !  Frederick  de 
Haldimar  a  corpse,  and  slain  by  the  hand  of  Sir  Everard  Valletort !  What 
but  disunion  could  follow  this  melancholy  catastrophe?  and  how  could  Charles 
de  Haldimar,  even  if  his  bland  nature  should  survive  the  shock,  ever  bear  to 
look  again  upon  the  man  who  had,  however  innocently  or  unintentionally, 
deprived  him  of  a  brother  whom  he  adored  ? 

These  were  the  impressions  that  passed  through  the  minds  of  the  compas- 
eionating  officers,  as  they  directed  their  glance  alternately  from  the  common 
to  the  pale  and  marble-like  features  of  the  younger  De  Haldimar,  who,  with 
parted  lips  and  stupid  gaze,  continued  to  fix  his  eyes  upon  the  inanimate  form 
of  his  ill-fated  brother,  as  if  the  very  faculty  of  life  itself  had  been  for  a  period 
suspended.  At  length,  however,  while  his  companions  watched  in  silence  the 
mining  workings  of  that  grief  which  they  feared  to  interrupt  by  ill-timed  ob- 
servations, even  of  condolence,  the  death-like  hue,  which  had  hitherto  suffu.se<l 
the  usually  blooming  cheek  of  the  young  officer,  was  succeeded  by  a  flush  of 
the  deepest  dye,  while  his  eyes,  swollen  by  the  tide  of  blood  now  rushing 
violently  to  his  face,  appeared  to  be  bursting  from  their  sockets.  The  shook 
was  more  than  his  delicate  frame,  exhausted  as  it  was  by  watching  and  fa- 
tigue, could  bear.  He  tottered,  reeled;  pressed  his  hand  upon  his  head,  and 
before  any  one  could  render  him  assistance,  fell  senseless  on  thb  ramparts. 

During  the  interval  between  Sir  Everard  Valletort's  exclamation,  and  the 
fall  of  Charles  de  Haldimar,  the  men  employed  at  the  grave  had  performed 
their  duty,  and  were  gazing  with  mingled  astonishment  and  concern,  both  on 
the  body  of  their  murdered  officer,  and  on  the  dumb  scene  acting  around 
them.  Two  of  these  were  now  despatched  for  a  litter,  with  which  they 
speedily  re-appeared.  On  this  Charles  de  Haldimar,  already  delirious  with 
the  fever  of  intense  excitement,  was  carefully  placed^  and,  followed  by  Captain 
Blessington  and  Lieutenant  Johnstone,  borne  to  his  apartment  in  the  small 
range  of  buildings  constituting  the  officers'  barracks.  Captain  Erskine  un- 
dertook the  disagreeable  office  of  communicating  these  distressing  events  to 
the  governor ;  and  the  remainder  of  the  officers  once  more  hastened  tc  join 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


dd 


or  linger  near  their  respectiye  companions,  in  readiness  for  the  order  which  It 
wao  expected  would  be  given  to  despatch  a  numerous  ptrty  of  the  gurisott 
to  ^fcuTi  the  body  of  Captain  dc  Haldimar. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  sun  was  just  rising  above  the  horizon,  in  all  that  peculiar  softness  of 
splendor  which  characterises  the  early  days  of  autumn  in  America,  as  Cap* 
tain  Erskine  led  his  company  across  the  drawbridge  that  communicated  w-  r, 
the  fort.  It  was  the  fii«t  time  it  had  been  lowered  since  the  investment  of  tn« 
garrison  by  the  Indians ;  and  as  the  dull  and  rusty  chains  performed  their 
Bfirvice  with  a  h&rsh  and  grating  sound,  it  seemed  as  if  an  earnest  were  given 
of  melancholy  boding.  Although  the  distance  to  be  traversed  was  small,  the 
risk  the  party  incurred  was  great ;  for  it  was  probable  the  savages,  ever  on 
the  alert,  would  not  suffer  them  to  effect  their  object  unmolested.  It  was 
perhaps  singular,  and  certainly  contradictory,  that  an  officer  of  the  acknow- 
ledged prudence  and  forethought  ascribed  to  the  governor — qualities  which  in 
a  great  degree  neutralized  his  excessive  severity  in  the  eyes  of  his  troops- 
should  have  hazarded  the  chance  of  having  his  garrison  enfeebled  by  the  de- 
struction of  a  part,  if  not  of  the  whole,  of  the  company  appointed  to  this 
dangerous  duty  ;  but  with  all  his  severity,  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  was  not  with- 
out strong  afi'ection  for  his  children.  The  feelings  of  the  father,  therefore,  in 
a  great  degree  triumphed  over  the  prudence  of  the  commander :  and  to  shield 
the  corpse  of  his  son  ft'om  the  indignities  which  he  well  knew  would  be  in- 
flicted on  it  by  Indian  barbarity,  he  had  been  induced  to  accede  to  the  earnest 
prayer  of  Captain  Erskine,  that  he  might  be  permitted  to  lead  out  his  com 
pany  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  body.  Every  means  were,  however, 
taken  to  cover  the  advance,  and  ensure  the  retreat  of  the  detachment.  Tho 
remainder  of  the  troops  were  distributed  along  the  rear  of  the  ramparts,  with 
instructions  to  lie  flat  on  their  faces  until  summoned  by  their  officers  from 
that  position  j  which  was  to  be  done  only  in  the  event  of  close  pursuit  from 
the  savages.  Artillerymen  were  also  stationed  at  the  several  guns  that  flanked 
the  rear  of  the  fort,  and  necessarily  commanded  both  the  common  and  tho 
outskirt  of  the  forest,  with  orders  to  fire  with  grape-shot  at  a  given  signal. 
Captain  Erskine's  instructions,  we-e,  moreover,  if  attacked,  to  retreat  back 
under  the  guns  of  the  fort  slowly  and  in  good  order,  and  without  turning  hia 
back  upon  the  enemy. 

Thus  confident  of  support,  the  party,  after  traversing  the  drawbridge  with 
fixed  bayonets,  inclined  to  the  right,  and  following  the  winding  of  the  ditch 
by  which  it  was  surrounded,  made  the  semi-circuit  of  the  rampart  until  they 
gained  the  immediate  centre  of  the  rear,  and  in  a  direct  line  with  the  bomb- 
proof. Here  their  mode  of  advance  was  altered,  to  guard  more  effectually 
against  the  enemy  with  whom  they  might  possibly  have  to  contend.  The 
front  and  rear  ranks  of  the  company,  consisting  in  all  of  ninety  men,  were  so 
placed  as  to  leave  space  in  the  event  of  attack,  for  a  portion  of  each  to  wheel 
inwards  so  as  to  present  in  an  instant  three  equal  faces  of  a  square.  As  the 
rear  was  sufficiently  covered  by  the  cannon  of  the  fort  to  defeat  any  attempt 
to  turn  their  flanks,  the  manoeuvre  was  one  that  enabled  them  to  present  a 


m 


m 


Ws 


83) 


Wi^COUSTA,  OK,  THE  riiOPHECY. 


mi 


It 


(\iller  front  in  whatever  other  quarter  they  njijzht  be  attacked  ;  and  had  this 
additional  advantajre.  that  in  the  advance  "by  single  files  a  narrower  front  was 
given  to  the  aim  of  the  Indians,  who.  unless  tlu-y  fired  in  an  oblique  direction, 
could  only  of  neces.sity.  brin^r  down  two  nien  (the  leadin;.'  files)  at  a  time. 

In  this  order,  and  anxiously  overlooked  by  their  comrades,  who.^e  eyea 
alone  peered  from  above  the  surface  of  tlie  i;iiiii>!irt  on  wliich  they  lay  pros- 
trate, the  detachment  crossed  the  comiiion  ;  oiu-  nmk  headed  by  Captain 
Erskine,  the  other  by  Ijeuteuant  Jolmstoiie.  'i'hey  liad  now  appr<»ii.ln'<I 
within  a  few  yards  of  the  uiifortunate  victim,  wlion  Captain  Erskine  com- 
manded a  halt  of  ids  party;  and  two  (lies  wire  dclfK-hcd  from  tiie  rear  ..f 
each  rank  to  place  the  l)ody  on  a  litter  willi  which  they  liarl  provided  th<iii- 
Belves.  He  and  Johnstone  also  moAed  in  the  same  direction  in  udvancvuf  thp 
men,  prepared  to  render  assistance  if  required.  Tlic  corpse  iay  on  its  face 
and  in  no  way  despoiled  of  any  of  its  glittering  habiliments ;  a  circunistanctf 
that  too  well  confirmed  the  fact  of  I)e  Haldimar's  death  having  been  accom- 
plj.shed  liy  the  bail  from  Sir  Everard  Valletort's  rifle.  It  appeared,  however, 
the  ill-fated  officer  had  struggled  much  in  the  agonies  of  death  :  fo-  the  left 
leg  was  dn.wn  up  into  an  unnatural  state  of  contraction,  and  the  right  haml, 
closely  coinpres.sed,  grasped  a  quantity  of  grass  and  soil,  which  had  been  evi- 
dently torn  up  in  a  paroxysm  of  suffering  and  despair. 

The  men  placed  the  litter  at  the  side  of  the  body,  which  they  now  pro- 
ceeded to  raise.  As  they  were  in  tlie  act  of  depositing  it  on  this  temporary 
bier,  the  plumed  hat  fell  from  the  head,  and  disclosed,  to  the  astonisliment  of 
all,  the  scalpiess  crown  completely  saturated  in  its  own  clotted  blood  and 
oozing  brains.  An  exclamation  of  horror  and  disgust  escaped  at  the  same 
moment  from  the  lips  of  the  two  officers,  and  the  men  started  back  from  ti^:? 
charge  as  if  a  basihsk  had  suddenly  appeared  before  them.  Captain  Erskine 
pursued : — 

"  What  the  devil  is  the  meaning  of  all  this,  Johnstone  ?"  "  What,  in- 
deed !"  rejoined  his  lieutenant,  wth  a  shrug  of  his  shoulders,  that  was  in- 
tended to  express  his  inability  to  form  any  opinion  on  the  subject. 

"  Unless  it  should  prove,"  continued  Erskine,  "  as  I  sincerely  trust  it  lu^y 
that  poor  Valletort  is  not,  after  all.  the  murderer  of  his  friend.  It  must  1)6 
fio.  I)e  Ilaldimar  has  been  slain  by  the  same  Indian  who  killed  Murpliy. 
Do  you  recollect  his  scalp  cry  ?  lie  was  in  the  act  of  despoiling  his  victiiu 
of  this  trophy  of  success,  when  Sir  Everard  fired.  Examine  the  body  well, 
Mitchell,  and  discover  where  the  wound  lies." 

The  old  soldier  to  whom  this  order  was  addressed  now  prepared,  with  tlie 
assistance  of  his  comrades,  to  turn  the  body  upon  its  back,  when  suddenly 
the  air  was  rent  with  terrific  yells,  that  seemed  to  be  uttered  in  their  very 
ears,  and  in  the  next  instant  more  than  a  hundred  dark  and  hideous  savages 
sprang  simultaneously  to  their  feet  within  the  bomb-proof,  while  every  tree 
along  the  skirt  of  the  forest  gave  back  the  towering  form  of  a  warrior.  Each 
of  these,  in  addition  to  his  rifle,  was  armed  with  all  those  destructive  imple- 
ments of  warfare  which  render  the  Indians  of  America  so  formidable  and  so 
terrible  an  enemy. 

"  Stand  to  your  arms,  men,"  shouted  Captain  Erskine,  recovering  from 
his  first  and  unavoidable,  though  but  momentarv,  surprise.  "First  and 
feurth  sectioli/'.i  •&  jour  right  and  left  b5i<;kwai  Js  wheel :— Quick,  ttoeiu  with- 


WACOVSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


31 


and  had  iTiis 
)wer  front  was 
liqiie  direction, 
)  at  a  time. 
;s.  whose  eyes 
they  hiy  pros- 
■d   by  Oil  I  It  am 
»\v  appn*;!.  lu'd 
Krskine  rom- 
n   tlie  rear  nf 
rovided  iIhiii- 
advuDccuf'thF 
ay  on  its  face 
a  circumstance 
)g  been  accoin- 
ared.  however, 
h  ;  fo-  the  left 
he  ripht  haii<l, 
1  had  been  evi- 

they  now  pvo- 
;liis  tenipoiary 
itonisliment  of 
ted  blood  an(J 
id  at  the  same 
>ack  from  thc:r 
aptain  Erskinu 


In  the  square,  for  your  lives."  As  he  spoke,  he  and  Lieutenant  Johnstone 
spranji  hastily  back,  and  in  time  to  obtain  admittance  within  the  troops,  who 
had  rapi<lly  executed  the  manoeuvre  commanded.  Not  so  with  Mitchell  and 
his  conipanions.  On  the  first  alarm  they  had  quitted  the  body  of  the  muti- 
lated ollicer,  and  flown  to  secure  their  arms,  but  even  while  in  the  act  of 
sloopintr  to  '»'<c  them  up,  they  had  been  grappled  by  a  powerful  and  vindict- 
uc  ;   uKi  .  c     rsL  thmg  they  beheld  on  regaining  their  upright  position, 


ive 


wasadiisxy  rur-m  at  the  side,  and  a  gleaming  tomahawk  flashing  rapidly 
round  the  head  of  each. 

"  Fire  not.  on  yoiu"  lives."  exclaimed  Captain  Erskine  hastily,  as  ho  saw 
Beveral  of  the  m'-'U  in  front  levelling,  in  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  their 
muskets  at  the  threatening  savages.  "  Prepare  for  attack,"  he  pursued  ;  and 
in  the  next  instant  each  man  dropped  on  his  right  knee,  and  a  barrier  of 
bristling  l»ayouets  seemed  to  rise  from  the  very  bowels  of  tlie  earth.  Attracted 
ny  the  novelty  of  the  sight,  the  bold  and  daring  warriors,  though  .still  retain- 
ing their  firm  grasp  of  the  unhappy  .soldiers,  were  for  a  moment  diverted 
from  their  bloody  puijiose,  and  temporarily  suspended  the  quick  and  rotatory 
mo'^ion  of  their  weapons.  Captain  Erskine  took  advantage  of  this  pause  to 
seize  the  halbert  of  one  of  nis  sergeants,  to  the  extreme  point  of  which  he 
hastilv  attached  a  white  pocket  handkerchief,  that  was  looo'^ly  thrust  intc 
the  breast  of  his  uniform;  this  he  waved  en  high  three  several  times,  and 
then  relinquishing  the  halbert,  dropped  also  on  his  knco  within  the  square. 

'•  The  dog  of  a  Saganaw  asks  for  mercy,"  said  a  voice  from  within  the 
bomb-jiroof  and  speaking  in  the  dialect  of  the  Ottawas.  "  His  pale  flag  be- 
speaks the  quailing  of  his  heart,  and  his  attitude  denotes  the  timidity  of  the 
hind.  His  warriors  are  like  himself,  and  even  now  upon  their  knees  thev 
call  upon  their  Manitou  to  preserve  them  from  the  vengeance  of  the  red- 
skins. But  mercy  is  not  for  dogs  like  these.  Now  is  the  time  to  make  our 
tomahawks  warm  in  their  blood  ;  and  every  head  that  wd  count  shall  be  a 
scalp  upon  our  war  poles." 

As  he  ceased,  one  universal  and  portentous  yell  burst  from  the  fiend-like 
band  ;  and  again  the  weapons  of  death  were  fiercely  brandished  around  the 
heads  of  the  stupified  soldiers  who  had  fallen  into  their  power. 

"  What  can  they  be  about  ?"  anxiously  exclaimed  Captain  Erskine,  in  the 
midst  of  this  deafening  clamor,  to  his  subaltern.  "  Quiet,  man  ;  damn  you, 
quiet,  or  I'll  cut  you  down,"  ho  pursued,  addressing  one  of  his  .soldiers,  whoso 
impatience  caused  him  to  bring  his  musket  half  up  to  his  shoulder.  And 
again  he  turned  his  head  in  the  direction  of  the  fort : — "  Thank  God,  here  it 
comes  1',  lUSt, — I  feared  my  signal  had  not  been  noticed." 

♦\  nile  he  yet  spoke,  the  loud  roaring  of  a  cannon  from  the  ramparts  was 
heard,  and  a  shower  of  grape-shot  passed  over  the  heads  of  the  detachment, 
and  was  seen  tearing  up  the  earth  around  the  bomb-proof,  and  scattering 
fragments  of  stone  and  wood  into  the  air.  The  men  simultaneously  and  un- 
bidden gave  three  cheers. 

In  an  instant  the  scene  was  changed.  As  if  moved  by  some  mechanical 
impulse,  the  fierce  band  that  lined  the  bomb-proof  sank  below  the  surface, 
and  were  no  longer  visible,  while  the  warriors  in  the  forest  again  sought  shel- 
ter behind  the  trees.  The  captured  soldiers  were  also  liberated  without  in- 
iur^jr,  so  fiuddeu  and  startling;  had  been  the  terror  produced  in  the  savages  bf 


:  * 


!1 


^1  i 


82 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PKOI'IIECY, 


the  lightning  flash  tliat  announced  its  heavy  messengers  of  destruction.  VU 
charge  after  discharge  succeeded  \vithout  intermission  ;  but  the  guns  had 
been  levelled  so  high,  to  prevent  injury  to  their  own  men,  they  had  little 
other  effect  than  to  keep  the  Indians  from  the  attack.  Tbo  rush  of  bullets 
through  the  close  forest,  and  tlie  crashing  of  trees  and  branches  as  they  fell 
with  startling  force  upon  each  other,  were,  with  the  peals  of  artillery,  the 
only  noises  now  to  be  heard;  for  not  a  yell,  not  a  word  was  uttered  by  the 
Indians  after  the  first  discharge ;  and  but  for  the  certainty  that  existed  in 
every  mind,  it  might  have  been  supposed  the  whole  of  them  had  retired. 

•'  Now  is  your  time,"  cried  Captain  Erskine ;  "  bring  in  the  litter  to  the 
rear,  and  stoop  as  much  as  possible  to  avoid  the  shot." 

The  poor  half-strangled  fellows,  however,  instead  of  obeying  the  order  of 
their  captain,  looked  round  in  every  direction  for  the  enemy  by  whom  they 
had  been  so  rudely  handled,  and  who  had  glided  from  them  almost  as  imper- 
ceptily  and  swiftly  as  they  had  at  first  approached.  It  seemed  as  if  they 
apprehended  that  any  attempt  to  remove  the  body  would  be  visited  by  those 
fierce  devils  with  the  same  appalling  and  ferocious  threatenings. 

"  Why  stand  ye  there,  ye  dolts,"  continued  their  captain,  "  looking  around 
S8  if  ye  were  bewitched  ?  Bring  the  litter  into  the  rear.  Mitchell,  you 
fool,  are  you  grown  a  coward  in  your  old  age  ?  Are  you  not  ashamed  to 
Bet  such  an  example  to  your  comrades  ?" 

The  doubt  thus  implied  of  the  courage  of  his  men,  who,  in  fact,  were 
merely  stupified  with  the  scene  they  had  gone  through,  had,  as  Captain 
Erskine  expected,  the  desired  effect.  They  now  bent  themselves  to  the  litter,  on 
which  they  had  previously  deposited  their  muskets,  and  with  a  self-possessif « 
that  contrasted  sinj^larly  with  their  recent  air  of  wild  astonishment,  bore  it 
to  the  rear  at  the  risk  of  being  cut  in  two  at  every  moment  by  the  fire  from 
the  fort.  One  fierce  yell,  instinctively  proffered  hy  several  of  the  lurking  band 
m  the  for'^st.  marked  their  disappointment  and  rage  at  the  escape  of  theb 
rictims ;  but  all  attempt  at  uncovering  themselves,  so  as  to  be  enabled  to  fire 
was  prevented  by  the  additional  showers  of  grape  which  that  yell  immediately 
brought  upon  them. 

The  position  in  which  Captain  Erskine  now  found  himself  was  highly  crit- 
ical.    Before  him,  and  on  either  flank,  was  a  multitude  of  savages,  who  only 
awaiti  d  the  cessation  of  the  fire  from  the  fort  to  commence  their  fierce  and 
impetuous  attack.    That  tliat  fire  could  not  long  be  sustained  was  evident 
since  ammunition  could  ill  be  spared  for  the  present  inefficient  purpose,  where 
supplies  of  all  kinds  were  so  difficult  to  be  obtained ;  and,  if  he  should  attempt 
a  retreat,  the  upright  position  of  his  men  exposed  them  to  the  risk  of  being 
swept  away  by  the  ponderous  metal,  that  already  fjinned  their  cheeks  with 
the  air  it  so  rapidly  divided.    Suddenly,  however,  the  fire  from  the  batteries 
was  discontinued,  and  this  he  knew  to  be  a  signal  for  himself.     He  gave  an 
order  in  a  low  voice,  and  the  detachment  quitted  their  recumbent  and  defen- ' 
sive  position,  still  remaining  formed  in  square.    At  the  same  instant  a  gun 
flashed  from  the  fort ;  but  not  as  before  was  heard  the  rushing  sound  of  the 
destructive  shot  crushing  the  trees  in  its  resistless  course.    The  Indians  took 
courage  at  this  circumstance,  for  they  deemed  the  bullets  of  their  enemies 
were  expended  J  and  that  they  were  merely  discharging  their  powder  to  keep 
up  th«)  apprehension  originally  produced.    Again  they  showed  themselves, 


W'ACOrSTA.  on.  THE  PROFHECT. 


88 


liko  so  many  doTUons,  from  bchfnd  thtir  lurlvinp  places  ;  and  yells  and  shouts 
of  tli'j  most  torrillc  nncl  thrcatenin}^  cliarfictcr  once  more  rent  the  aiT}  and 
echoe<i  through  the  woods.  Thoir  cries  of  anticipated  triumph  were,  however 
of  short  duration.  Presently,  a  hissin*;  noise  was  heard  in  the  air ;  and  dose 
to  the  bomb-proof,  and  at  the  very  skirt  of  the  forest,  they  beheld  a  huge 
globe  of  iron  fall  perpendicularly  to  the  earth,  to  the  outer  part  of  which  was 
attached  what  they  suppu.sed  to  be  a  reed,  that  spat  forth  innumerable  sparks 
of  fire,  without  however,  seeming  to  threaiten  the  slightest  injury.  Attracted 
by  the  novel  sight,  a  do/cn  warriors  sprang  to  the  spot,  and  fastened  their 
gaze  upon  it  with  all  the  childish  wonder  and  curiosity  of  men  in  a  savago 
ptate.  One,  more  eager  and  restless  than  his  fellows,  stooped  over  it  to  feel 
with  his  hand  of  what  it  was  composed.  At  that  moment  it  burst,  and  lunbs, 
\nd  heads,  and  entrails,  were  seen  Hying  in  the  air,  with  the  fragments  of  the 
shell,  and  prostrate  and  struggling  forms  lay  writhing  on  every  hand  in  tho 
last,  tierce  agonies  of  death. 

A  yell  of  despair  and  a  shout  of  triumph  burst  at  the  same  moment  from 
the  adverse  parties.  Taking  advantage  of  the  terror  produced,  by  thii  catas- 
trophe, in  the  savages,  Captain  Erskinc  caused  the  men  bearing  the  corpse  to 
retreat,  with  all  po.ssible  expedition,  under  the  ramparts  of  the  fort.  Ho 
waited  until  they  got  nearly  half  way,  ami  then  threw  forward  the  wheeling 
sections,  that  had  covered  this  movement,  once  more  into  single  file,  in  whiclt 
order  he  commenced  his  retreat.  Step  by  step,  and  almost  imperceptibly,  the 
men  paced  backwanls,  ready,  at  a  moment's  notice,  to  re-form  the  square. 
Partly  recovering  from  the  terror  and  surprise  produced  by  the  bursting  of 
the  shell,  the  Indians  were  quick  in  perceiving  this  movement :  filled  with  rage 
at  having  been  so  long  balked  of  their  aim,  they  threw  themselves  once  more 
imjietuously  from  their  cover ;  and  vith  stimulating  yells,  at  length  opened 
their  fire.  Several  of  Captain  Ersku;.  Mien  were  wounded  by  this  discharge 
when,  again,  and  furiously  the  cannon  opened  from  the  fort.  It  was  then 
that  the  superiority  of  the  artillery  was  nmde  manifest.  Both  right  and  left 
of  the  retreating  files  the  ponderous  shot  flew  heavily  past,  carrying  death 
and  terror  to  the  Indians :  while  not  a  man  of  those  who  intervened  was 
scathed  or  touched  in  its  progress.  The  warriors  in  the  forest  were  once 
more  compelled  to  shelter  themselves  behind  the  tre«;  but  in  the  bomb-proof, 
where  they  were  inoie  secure,  they  were  also  more  bold.  From  thisa  nlling 
fire,  mingl'id  with  the  most  hideous  yells,  was  now  kept  up ;  and  the  <ktach- 
mcnt,  in  their  slow  retreat,  suti'ered  considerably.  Several  men  had  been  kill- 
ed; ai.d,  about  twenty,  including  Lieutenant  Johnstone  wounded,  when  again 
one  oi  those  murderous  globes  fell,  hissing  in  the  very  centre  of  the  bomb 
proof.  In  an  instant,  the  Indian  fire  was  discontinued  ;  and  their  dark  and 
pliant  forms  were  seen  hurrying  with  almost  incredible  rapidity  over  the  di 
lapidated  walls,  and  flying  into  the  very  heart  of  the  forest,  so  that  when  the 
shell  exploded,  a  few  seconds  afterwards,  not  a  warrior  was  to  be  seen.  Fi'om 
this  moment  the  attack  was  not  renewed,  and  Captain  Erskine  made  good  hia 
retreat  without  further  molestation. 

"  A\  ell,  old  buffers !"  exclaimed  one  of  the  leading  files,  as  the  detachment. 
preceded  by  its  dead  and  wounded,  now  moved  along  the  moat  in  the  direction 
of  tho  draw-bridge,  "  how  did  you  like  the  grip  of  them  red  savages  t—1 
say,  MitcheU,  old  Nick  will  scarcely  know  the  face  of  you,  it's  so  m^idi  alter- 


m 


m 


1  !-i 


'■■i 


84 


WACOUSTA,  OR.  TnK  PIl'^PHKHY. 


ed  l)y  Mght.  Did  you  flce,"  tumfng  to  the  nmn  in  his  renr,  "how  liarum- 
scannii  ho  looked,  wlien  the  cuptaiii  callul  out  to  him  to  cumc  ofl?" 

"  Hold  your  clapper,  you  spooney,  and  be  d d  to  you  !"  exclaimed  the 

anfrry  veteran  "  Had  the  Injrian  fastened  his  paw  on  your  ugly  neck  as  he 
did  upon  mine,  all  the  pitiful  life  your  motlu-r  put  into  you  would  have  been 
tipiriti'd  away  from  veiy  four ;  so  you  needn't  brag  !" 

"  Sure,  and  if  anv  of  ye  lia<l  a  grain  of  spunk,  ye  would  have  flrcd.  and 
freed  a  follow  from 'the  clutch  of  them  Tngin  thieves."  muttered  another  of 
the  mon  at  the  litter.  "  AH  the  time  the  devil  had  me  by  the  throat;  swing- 
ing his  tommyhawk  about  my  head,  I  saw  ye  dancing  up  and  down  ia  the 
heavens,  instead  of  being  on  your  marrow  bones  on  the  comnion." 

"And  didn't  I  want  to  do  it?"  rejoined  the  first  speaker.  "Ask  Tom 
Winkler  here,  if  the  captain  didn't  swear  he'd  cut  my  head  otf  if  I  even  offer- 
ed so  much  as  to  touch  the  trigger  of  my  musket." 

"  Faith,  and  lucky  he  did,"  replied  his  covering  man,  (for  the  ranks  had 
•gain  joined),  "  since  but  for  that,  there  wouldn't  be  at  this  moment  so  much 
as  a  hair  of  the  scalp  of  one  you  left." 

"  By  gracious,"  said  a  good-humored,  quaint  looking  Irishman,  wlio  had 
been  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  litter  during  this  colloquy- ;  *'  it  sames  to  me.  my 
boys,  that  ye  have  caught  the  wrong  cow  by  the  horns,  and  that  all  your 
poms  has  been  for  nothing  at  all,  at  all.  By  the  pope,  ye  are  all  wrong ;  it's 
like  bringing  salt  butter  to  Cork,  or  coals  to  your  Newcastle,  as  ye  call  it. 
Who  the  divil  ever  beard  of  the  officer  wearing  ammunition  shoes  ?" 

The  men  all  turned  their  gaze  on  that  part  of  the  vestment  of  the  corpse 
to  which  their  attention  had  been  directed  by  this  remark,  when  it  was  at 
once  perceived,  although  it  had  hitherto  escaped  the  observation  even  of  tin 
officers,  that,  not  only  the  shoos  were  those  usually  worn  by  the  soldiers,  anc 
termed  ammunition  or  store  shoes,  but  also,  the  trowsers  were  of  the  descrip 
tion  of  coarse  grey,  peculiar  to  that  class. 

"  By  the  piper  and  ye're  right,  Dick  Doherty,"  exclaimed  another  Irish- 
man ;  "  sure,  and  it  isn't  the  ofliccr  at  all !  Just  look  at  the  great  black  fist 
of  him  too,  and  never  call  me  Phil  Sheban,  if  it  ever  was  made  for  the  hand- 
ling of  an  officer's  spit," 

•'  What  a  set  of  iiignorannises  ye  must  be,"  grunted  old  Mitchell,  "  not  to 
fee  that  the  captain's  hand  is  only  covered  with  dirt;  and  as  for  the'amnm- 
nition  shoes  and  trowsers,  why  you  know  your  officers  wear  anything  since 
we  have  been  cooped  up  in  this  here  fort." 

"  Yes,  by  the  holy  poker,  off  duty,  if  they  like  it "  returned  Phil  She>)i«i ; 
"  but  it  isn't  even  the  colonel's  own  born  son  that  dare  to  do  so  while  officer 
of  the  guard." 

At  this  point  of  their  conversation,  one  of  the  leading  men  at  the  litter,  \n 
turning  to  look  at  its  subject,  stumbled  over  the  root  of  a  stump  that  lay  in 
his  way,  and  fell  violently  forward.  The  sudden  action  destroyed  the  equili- 
brium of  the  corpse,  which  rolled  off  its  temporary  bier  upon  the  earth,  and 
disclosed,  for  the  first  time,  a  face  begrimea  with  masses  of  clotted  bood, 
whioli  had  streamed  forth  from  the  sclaped  brain  during  the  night, 

•  It's  the  divil  himself''  said  Phil  Sheban,  making  the  sign  of  the  cross  half 
m  jest,  lialf  in  earnest :  "  for  it  i.sn't  the  captnin  at  all.  and  who  but  the  uiviJ 
eould  have  managed  to  clap  on  his  rigimentals  ?" 


WA(K»USTA,  OH.  THK  I'HWI'FlEcY. 


S5 


in,  who  hen\ 


"  No.  it's  an  Tnglan,"  rcnmrlxcd  Dick  Tliirfoi'l.  snjriuionsly  ;  "  it's  r\n  Tiifrfnn 
tliat  lia«  killed  the  riintiiiii,  nii<l  (Iri'sscd  hiinsolf  in  his  clothes.  1  tli«nij;;hl  liii 
smelt  strong,  wlicn  I  lielpcd  to  pick  him  up." 

"What  a  set  of  pniting  fools  ye  are,"  interruptcil  the  loading  sergeant; 
"  who  over  saw  nn  Ingiaii  with  li-iit  hair  ?  and  «Mre  this  hair  in  tho  neck  is 
that  of  a  Christian." 

At  that  moment  Captain  Erskine.  attrnctod  hy  the  siiddcji  halt  produced 
hv  tlic  fulling  of  the  h()<ly,  came  <|iiickly  nj)  to  the  front. 

'•  What  is  the  meaning  of  all  this,  Cassidy  ?"  he  sternly  demanded  of  the 
strgeant j  " why  is  this  halt  without  my  orders,  and  how  come.s  the  body 
h(!re  ?" 

"  Carter  stumbled  against  a  root,  sir,  and  tlie  body  rolled  over  upon  the 
ground." 

"And  was  the  body  to  roll  back  again?"  angrily  rejoined  his  captain. 
"  Wh'it  mean  ye,  fellows,  by  standing  there;  qnick,  replace  it  upon  the  litter, 
and  mind  this  does  not  occur  again." 

"  They  say,  sir,"  said  the  sergiant,  respectfully,  as  the  men  proceeded  to 
their  duty,  "that  it  is  not  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  after  all,  but  an  Ingian." 

"  Not  Captain  de  Ilahlimar !  are  ye  all  mad  ?  and  have  the  Indians,  in  re- 
ality, turned  your  brains  with  fear?" 

What,  however,  was  his  own  surprise,  and  that  of  Lieutenant  Johnscone. 
when,  on  a  closer  examination  of  the  corpse,  which  the  men  had  now  p  ace(i 
with  its  fiice  uppermost,  they  discovere<l  the  bewildering  fact  that  it  was  not, 
jntleed,  Captain  <lc  Ilaldiuuvr  who  lay  before  them,  but  a  strangei-,  dressevi  in 
the  uniform  of  that  ollicer. 

There  was  no  time  to  solve,  or  even  to  dwell  on  the  singular  mystery ;  for 
the  Indians,  though  now  retired,  might  be  exj)ected  to  rally  and  renew  tlie 
attack.  Once  more,  theruforc.  the  (letachment  moved  forward  ;  the  ofliceis 
dropping  as  before  to  the  rear,  to  watch  any  movements  of  the  enemy  should 
be  re-appear.  Nothing,  howeve^r,  occurred  to  interrupt  their  march  ;  and  in 
a  few  miiuites  the  heavy  clanking  of  the  chains  of  the  drawbridge,  as  it  was 
again  raised  by  its  strong  pulleys,  and  the  dull  creaking  .sound  of  the  rusty 
bolts  and  locks  that  secured  the  ponderous  gate,  annotuiced  the  detachment 
was  once  more  safely  witliin  the  fort. 

While  the  wounded  men  were  being  conveyed  to  the  hospital,  a  group, 
comprising  almo.st  all  the  oflicers  of  the  garrison,  hastened  to  meet  Captain 
Erskine  and  Lieutenant  Johnstone.  Congratulatrons  on  the  escape  of  the 
one.  and  compliments,  rather  than  condolences,  on  the  acciilent  of  the  other, 
which  the  arm  en  dcharpe  denoted  to  be  slight,  were  hastily  and  warmly 
proHered.  These  felicitations  were  the  genuine  ebullitions  of  the  hearts  of 
nten  who  really  felt  a  pride,  unmixed  with  jealousy,  in  the  conduct  of  their 
fellows ;  and  so  ool  and  excellent  had  been  the  manner  in  which  Captain 
Erskine  had  accomplished  his  object,  that  it  had  claimed  the  undivided  ad- 
miration of  all  who  1  ad  been  spectators  of  the  allair,  and  had,  with  the  aid 
of  their  telescopes,  been  enabled  to  folic  tv  the  minutest  movements  of  the  de- 
tachment. 

"By  heaven !"  he  at  length  replied,  his  chest  swelling  with  gratified  pride 
at  the  warm  and  generous  approval  of  his  companions  ;  "  this  more  than  re- 
pays me  for  every  risk.    Yet.  to  be  rfncere,  the  credit  is  not  mine,  but  Went- 


^tajf 


III 


11 


■M 


liP 


M 


WArOI'«!TA,  OR.  THE  rPOPHECY. 


trortli^'i. 


y\  But  r<T  vn-i  tnv  .t  nr  nilow.*'  praspin*?  and  shaking  tlio  Tiftnd  of 
tl.M  nlli.cr  •  ssv  ..Ih.iiM  liavr  ivn-lcrod  but  a  Flemish  account  of  onm-Ivcs. 
UoNv  l)(aiilirill'  ilioso  runs  covcml  onr  rotront !  nml  the  first  Tr.ortnr  thnt 
Kont  the  howIinfrd.-vilH  Hying  in  air  like  so  numy  VVill-o'thc-wisps,  who  placed 

tut.  VV.Mt  rorih?"  ,      ,  ,   ,. 

"  I  did."  n-piitil  Mh'  olllcer,  with  a  quicknc-ss  tli  it  (lenoted  a  natural  reeUng 
»f  exultation  ;  ''but  Honibanlior  Kitson'H  was  th<  most  efn<;tivo.  ft  wan  his 
dlu'II  that  dnivi'  \hv  lii.hims  liiially  out  of  tliu  i.ouib-proof,  and  left  the  otwi! 
clear  for  your  n  ticat.' 

•'Tlicn'  Kitsou.  and  liis  punicrs  also,  merit  our  host  thanks."  pursued 
Captain  KrskiiK'  wliofj  s|»irits.  now  that  his  dctarlimcnt  was  in  snf"ty,  were 
more  than  nsuallv  cx'iilaraU-d  l.y  tlio  excitinj!;  events  of  the  last  hour ;  "and 
what  will  be  more  acceptable,  perhaps,  they  shall  each  have  a  lihsu  of  mv 
best  old  Janiaica  liefoie  they  sleep.— and  such  stutl"  is  not  to  he  met  with 
every  day  in  this  wilderness'of  a  country.  Hut.  c<mfound  my  stupid  head  I 
where  are  Charles  de  Ilaldiniar  and  Sir  Kverard  Valletort?" 

"  Poor  Charles  is  in  a  high  fever,  and  confine<l  to  his  ))ed,"  rcriiarkoi 
Cajttain  Blcssin,!,'ton,  who  now  caiuo  up,  adding  his  eongrnti-lations  in  a  low 
tone,  that  marked  the  ilespondency  of  his  heart;  iiiid  Sir  Everard  I  have 
just  left  on  the  rampart  with  the  com  pi*  v  looking,  as  he  well  may,  the  very 
miape  of  despair." 

'•  Run  to  them,  Sumncrs.  my  dear  b«  y,"  .said  Erskine,  liastily  n(hlrossinp 
him.self  to  a  young  cnsig-.  who  stood  near  him;  "run  quickly,  and  relievo 
them  of  their  error.  So}  it  is  not  De  Ilaldimar  who  has  been  killed,  tlierefore 
they  need  not  ninkc  tdemselvcs  any  longer  imeasy  on  that  score."  The  oHi- 
c(Ts  gave  a  start  of  s»u-prisc.  Sumners,  however,  hastened  to  acqin't  himself 
of  the  pleasing  task  a.ssigncd  him,  without  waiting  to  hear  the  explanation  of 
the  singular  (leclaration. 

■•Not  Do  Haldimar !"  eagerly  and  anxiously  exclaimed  Captain  Blnssing- 
ton ;  "who  then  have  yon  brought  to  us  in  his  imiform,  wliich  I  clearly  dis- 
Imguislied  from  tlie  rampart  as  you  passod  ?  Surely  you  would  not  tamper 
with  us  at  such  a  moment,  Erskine  ?" 

"Who  it  is,  I  know  no  more  than  Adam,"  rejoined  the  other;  "unlcs.s.  in- 
deed, it  be  the  devil  himself.  All  I  do  know,  is,  it  is  not  our  friend  De  Haldi- 
mar; although,  as  you  observe,  he  most  certainly  wears  his  uniform.  Hut 
you  shall  see  and  judge  for  yourselves,  gentlemen.  Sergeant  Cassidy,"  he  in- 
quired of  that  individual,  who  now  came  to  ask  if  the  deta.hment  wa.s  to  be 
rii.smi.s.«;cd,  "  where  have  you  placed  the  litter?" 

Under  the  piazza  of  the  guard-room,  sir,"  answered  the  seargcnt.  These 
words  had  scarcely  been  uttered,  when  a  general  and  liasty  movement  of  tlie 
officers,  anxious  to  satisfy  themselves  by  personal  observation  it  was  not  in- 
deed De  Haldimar  who  had  fallen,  took  place  in  the  direction  allude<l  to,  and 
in  the  next  moment  they  were  at  the  side  of  the  litter. 

A  blanket  had  been  thrown  upon  the  corpse  to  conceal  tlie  loathsome  dis- 
3guremcnt  of  the  face,  over  which  masses  of  thick  coagulated  blood  were  laid 
in  patches  and  streaks,  that  set  all  recognition  at  defiance.  The  formation  of 
the  head  alone,  which  was  round  and  short,  denoted  it  to  be  not  De  Haldi- 
mar's.  Not  a  feature  was  left  undeflled ;  and  even  the  eyes  were  so  covered, 
it  was  impossible  to  say  whether  their  lids  were  closed  or  open.    More  than 


(led  to,  iiiid 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPIIErT.  g/jr 

one  officer's  check  puled  with  the  Rfckncss  that  rose  to  his  heart  as  he  pazed 
on  the  hideous  spectacle;  yet  as  the  curiosity  of  all  was  stronly  e.xeilcd  to 
know  who  the  nmrdei;ed  niun  really  was  who  had  been  so  unaceouutably  in- 
ducted in  the  uiiiforni  of  their  lost  companion,  they  were  resolved  to  satisfy 
themselves  without  fut  tlier  delay.  A  basin  of  warm  water  and  a  sponpo  were 
procured  from  the  pianl-room  of  Knsij^n  Fortesune,  who  now  joined  them 
Ruil  with  tliese  Captain  lUtssin^^oii  proceeded  to  remove  the  disj;uise. 

In  the  course  of  tliis  lavation.  it  was  discovered  tlic  extraordinary  flow  of 
blood  and  brains  had  been  produced  by  tlie  infliction  of  a  deep  'vound  on  the 
back  of  tlie  hiail.  bv  the  sharp  and  ponderous  tomahawk  of  an  Indian.  It 
was  the  only  Ijiow  that  had  been  niven  ;  aid  the  circumstance  of  the  deceased 
havin};  been  found  lyin;:!;  on  his  face,  accounted  for  the  quantity  of  gore,  that. 
tricklin;j;  downwards,  had  so  completely  disj^uised  every  feature.  As  the  coat 
of  thick  encrusted  matter  fiave  way  beneatli  the  frequent  application  of  the 
moistening  sponge,  the  pallid  hue  of  the  countenance  denoted  the  murdered 
Dia.i  to  bo  a  white.  All  doubt,  hcwever.  was  soon  at  an  end.  The  anununi 
(luu  shoes,  the  grey  trowsers,  the  course  linen,  aud  the  stiffleatheru  8..vk  «■• 
circling  the  neck,  attested  the  suilercr  to  be  a  soldier  of  the  garrison  •,  but  it 
was  not  until  the  face  had  been  completely  dfnu<led  of  its  unsightly  covering, 
und  ever"  fealure  fully  exposed,  that  that  soldier  was  at  len;itli  reco;;nii',ed  to 
be  Harry  Donellan,  the.  trusty  and  attached  servant  of  Captain  de  Haldiraar. 

'While  yet  the  officers  stood  apart,  ga/.ing  at  the  corpsij.  and  forming  a 
variety  of  conjectures,  as  vague  as  th;'y  were  unsatisfactory,  in  regard  to  their 
now  mystery,  Sir  Everard  Vallotort,  i)alo  and  breathless  with  the  speed  ho 
had  used,  suddenly  appeared  among  them. 

•'  God  of  heaven  !  can  it  be  true — ;uid  is  it  really  not  De  Haldimar  whom  I 
have  shot  ?"  wildly  asked  the  agitated  y<^ung  man.  ''  Who  is  this,  Erskine  ?" 
he  continued,  glancing  at  the  I'tter.    "  Explam,  for  pity  sake,  and  quickly." 

''  Compose  yourself,  my  dear  Valletort,"  replied  the  oflicer  addressed. 
*'  You  see  this  is  not  De  llaldimar,  but  his  servant  Donellan.  Neither  has  the 
latter  met  his  death  from  your  rifle ;  there  is  no  mark  of  a  bullet  about  him. 
It  was  an  Indian  tomahawk  that  did  his  business;  and  I  will  stake  my  head 
against  a  hickory  imt  the  blow  came  from  the  same  rascal  at  whom  you  tired, 
and  who  yiuve  back  the  shot  and  the  scalp  halloo." 

This  opinion  was  unanimously  expressed  by  the  remainder  of  the  officers. 
Sir  Kverard  was  almost  as  much  overpowered  with  his  joy,  as  he  had  pre 
viDusIy  been  overwhelmed  by  his  dispair,  and  he  grasped  and  shook  the  hand 
of  Captain  Erskine,  who  had  thus  been  the  means  of  relieving  his  conscience, 
with  an  energy  of  giMtitude  and  feeling  that  almost  drew  tears  from  the  eyes 
of  that  blunt  but  gallant  officer. 

"  Thank  God !  thank  God  !"  he  fervently  exclaimed :  "  I  have  not  then  even 
the  death  of  poor  Donellan  to  answer  for ;"  and  hastening  from  the  guard* 
room,  he  pursued  Ids  coqrsg  huriietl'y  <\n4  4olightedly  to  the  barrack -room  of 
lus  fricn4, 


''1V> 


Mj 


(    ' 


:::! 


88 


WACOUiSTA,  OK,  THE  PKOPUECY. 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  hour  fixed  for  the  trial  of  the  prisoner  Halloway  had  now  arrived,  and 
the  o(Ho(TS  coiiiposinj;  the  court  were  all  met  in  the  mess-room  of  the  garri- 
Kon  •;unoim<liii-  a  lon^'  jrreen  tfiblc  covered  with  green  cloth,  over  which  were 
distribtiU'd  pons,  ink.  iiii<l  paper  for  takin-  minutes  of  the  evi<lence.  and  sikI: 
iMHes  of  the  pio(Hvdi.\jrs  as  tiie  several  members  might  deem  ncccssarv  in  >l.f 
roiiviceof  the  lri;.l.  Captain  IJlc^sington  presided;  and  next  him.  on  cith.-r 
hand,  were  llie  lirst  in  seniority,  the  two  junior  occupying  tlie  lowest  pla.vs. 
The  demeanor  of  the  .several  olHcers,  serious  and  befitting  the  duty  they  were 
met  to  peif<»nn.  was  i-endered  more  especially  .solemn  from  the  pre.^enee  of  the 
Lrovernor,  who  sitting  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  president,  and  without  the  (■irc-ic. 
remained  ooverrd  with  his  arms  folded  acro.ss  his  chest.  At  a  .signal  given  by 
the  president  to  the  orderly  in  waiting,  that  individual  di.sappeared  Irom  the 
room,  and  soon  afterwards  Frank  Halloway,  strongly  ironed,  as  a  the  pi-e- 
ceding  night,  was  ushered  in  by  several  files  of  the  guard,  under  Ensign 
Fortescue  him.>elf. 

The  prisoner  having  been  .stationed  a  few  paces  on  the  left  of  the  president, 
that  ollioer  .stood  up  to  ailminister  the  customary  oath.  His  e.vample  was  fol- 
lowed by  the  rest  of  the  court,  who  now  rose,  and  extemhng  each  his  right 
hand  upon  the  prayer  book,  repeated,  after  the  president,  the  form  of  words 
prescribed  l>y  military  hiw.  They  then,  after  successively  touching  the  sacred 
volume  with  their  lips,  ouv^e  more  resumed  their  seats  at  the  table. 

The  prosecutor  was  tlie  Adjutant  Law.son.  who  now  handed  over  to  the 
president  a  pa[)er.  from  whitli  the  latter  ollieer  read,  in  a  clear  and  distiuct 
poice.  tht  following  chan-es.  vi/. — 

•'  Jst.  For  having  on  the  night  of  the  — th  September  17G3,  while  on  duty 
at  the  gate  of  the  Foitress  of  Detroit,  either  admitted  a  stranger  into  ihe 
gai'rison  himself  or  sullered  him  to  obtain  admis.sion,  without  giving  the 
alarm,  or  using  the  means  necessary  to  ensure  his  apjjrehensioL,  such  conduct 
l»eing  treasonable,  and  in  breach  of  the  aiticles  of  war. 

"  2d.  For  having  been  accessory  to  the  abduction  of  Captain  Frederick  <k 
Haldimar  and  private  Harry  Uonellan.  the  di^tiippearance  of  whom  from  the 
garrison  can  only  be  atti-ibuted  to  a  secret  uiwlei'standing existing  between  tne 
prisoner  and  the  enemy  without  the  walls,  such  conduct  being  treasonable,  and 
in  breach  of  the  articles  of  war." 

"  Private  Fiank  Halloway,"  contimied  Captain  Ele.ssington,  after  having 
read  these  two  short  but  im])ortant  charges,  "  yoa  hav«  heard  what  has 
been  preferred  against  von;  what  say  _)ou,  therefore?  -  Are  you  guilty,  or 
not  guilty?" 

"Not  guilly,"  firmly  and  .somewdiat  exidtin'ily  replied  the  prisoner,  laying 
his  hand  at  the  .same  time  on  his  swelling  heart. 

"  Stay,  sir,"  sternly  ob.served  the  governor,  addressing  the  president  j  you 
have  not  read  all  the  charges." 
Captain  lilossington  took  up  the  paper  from  the  table,  on  which  he  had 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPIir 


39 


[cd.  anil 
0  jijarri- 
■li  wi're 
|iii  Slid-, 
in  tl.i- 
\\  t'illi'T 
|»lai"v'S. 
I'V  were 
k'  (»r  the 
II'  (•irclc. 
iv(,'n  liv 
•oni  tlie 
he  pre- 

I'sidcnt. 


the 


jareTessly  thrown  it,  after  reading  the  accusations  above  detailed,  and  perceived, 
fbr  the  first  time,  that  a  portion  had  been  doubled  back.  His  eye  now 
glanced  over  a  third  charge,  which  had  previously  escaped  his  attention. 

"  Prisoner,"  he  pursued,  after  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  "  there  is  a  third 
charsfc  aiL^ainst  yon,  viz.  for  having,  on  the  night  of  the  — th  Sept.  1763,  suf- 
fereil  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  to  unclose  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  and  acoonipa- 
nit'd  by  his  servant,  private  Harry  Donellan,  to  pass  your  post  without  the 
sanction  of  the  governor,  such  conduct  being  in  direct  violation  of  a  standing 
order  of  the  garrison,  and  punishable  with  death." 

The  prisoner  started.  "  What !"  he  exclaimed,  his  cheek  paling  for  the  first 
time  with  momentary  apprehension ;  "  is  this  voluntary  confession  of  my  own 
to  be  turned  into  a  charge  that  threatens  my  life  ?  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  is 
the  explanation  which  I  gave  you  only  this  very  hour,  and  in  private,  to  be 
made  the  public  instrument  of  my  condemnation  ?  Am  I  to  die  because  I 
liad  not  firmness  to  resist  the  prayer  of  my  captain  and  of  your  son,  Golonet 
de  Haldimar  ?" 

The  president  looked  towards  the  governor,  but  a  significant  motion  of  the 
head  was  the  only  reply ;  he  proceeded, — 

"  Prisoner  Halloway,  what  plead  you  to  this  charge  1  Guilty,  or  not 
piilty  ?" 

"  I  see  plainly,"  said  Halloway,  after  the  pause  of  a  minute,  during  which 
he  appeared  to  be  summoning  all  his  energies  to  his  aid  ;  "  I  see  plainly  that 
it  is  useless  to  strive  against  my  fate.  Captain  de  Haldimar  is  not  here,  and 
T  muvt  die.  Still  I  shall  not  have  the  disgrace  of  dying  as  a  traitor,  though 
1  own  I  have  violated  the  orders  of  the  garrison." 

"  I^risoner,"  interrupted  Captain  Blessington,  "  whatever  you  may  have  to 
urge,  you  had  better  reserve  for  your  defence.  Meanwhile,  what  answer  do 
you  make  to  the  last  charge  preferred  ? — Are  you  guilty,  or  not  guilty  ?*' 

'•  Guilty,"  said  Halloway,  in  a  tone  of  mingled  pride  and  sorrow,  "  guilty 
of  having  listened  to  the  earnest  prayer  of  my  captain,  and  suffered  mm,  in 
viola  tion  of  my  orders,  to  pass  my  post.    Of  the  other  charges  I  am  innocent." 

The  coiu't  listened  with  the  mo*st  profound  attention  and  interest  to  the 
words  of  the  prisoner,  and  they  glanced  at  each  other  in  a  manner  that  marked 
their  sense  of  the  truth  they  attached  to  his  delaration. 

"  Halloway,  prisoner,"  resumed  Captain  Blessington,  mildly,  yet  impress- 
ively ;  recollect  the  severe  penalty  which  the  third  charge,  no  less  than  the 
others,  entails,  and  recall  your  admission.  Be  advised  by  me,"  he  pursued. 
obsci-ving  his  hesitation.  "  Withdraw  your  plea,  then,  and  substitute  that  of 
Hot  truiltv  to  the  whole." 

"Captain  Blessington,"  returned  the  priso\(er  with  deep  emotion,  *'l  feev' 
^11  the  kindness  of  your  motive ;  and  if  anything  can  console  me  in  my  pre 
sent  situation,  it  is  the  circumstance  of  having  presiding  at  my  trial  an  officer 
so  universally  beloved  by  the  whole  corps.  Still,"  atd  again  his  voice  ao- 
'iniroil  its  wonted  firmness,  and  his  cheek  glowed  with  honest  pride,  "still,  I 
scorn  to  retract  my  words.  Of  the  two  fiist charges  I  am  as  innocent  as  tho 
babe  unborn.  To  the  last  I  plead  guilty  ;  and  vain  would  it  be  to  say  other 
wise,  since  the  pate  was  found  open  while  I  was  on  duty,  and  I  know  the 
penalty  attaciied  to  the  disobedience  of  orders." 

Alter  some  further  but  ineifectual  lemonstrances  on  the  part  of  the  pres^ 


''i'n 

a 


'■'  a 

•■iff 


1 1 


'  -'I 

J         r 


iO 


WAC0U6TA,  OR,  THE  PKOPIIECT. 


ii 


II 


dent,  the  pleas  of  the  prisoner  wore  recorded,  and  the  examination  commenced. 
Governor  de  Haldimar  was  the  first  witness. 

That  officer,  having  been  sworn,  stated,  that  on  the  preceding  night  he  had 
been  intruded  upon  in  his  apartment  by  a  stranger,  who  could  have  obtained 
admission  only  chrough  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  by  which  also  he  inust  have 
made  good  his  escape.  Tiiat  it  was  evident  the  prisoner  had  been  in  corres- 
pondence with  theii-  enemies ;  since,  on  proceeding  to  examine  the  gate  it  had 
been  found  unlocked,  while  tK'i  confusion  manifested  by  him  on  being  accused, 
satisfied  all  who  were  present  of  the  enormity  of  his  guilt.  Search  had  been 
made  everywhere  for  tlie  keys,  but  without  success. 

The  second  charge  was  supported  by  presumptive  evidence  alone ;  for  al- 
though the  governor  swore  to  the  disappearance  of  his  son,  and  the  murder 
of  his  servant,  and  dwelt  emphatically  on  the  fact  of  their  having  been  forci- 
bly carried  oH"  with  the  connivance  of  the  prisoner,  still  there  was  no  other 
proof  of  this,  than  the  deductions  drawn  from  the  circumstances  ah'eady  de- 
tailed.   To  meet  this  difficulty,  however,  the  third  <;harge  had  been  framed. 

In  proof  of  this  the  governor  stated,  "  that  the  prisoner,  on  being  inten-o- 
gated  by  him  immediately  subsequent  to  his  being  relieved  from  his  post,  had 
evinced  such  confusion  and  hesitation,  as  to  leave  no  doubt  whatever  of  his 
guilt ;  that,  influenced  by  the  half  promise  of  communication,  which  the  court 
had  heard  as  well  as  himself,  he  had  sufifered  the  trial  of  the  prisoner  to  be 
delayed  until  the  present  hour,  strongly  hoping  he  might  then  be  indufied  to 
reveal  the  share  he  had  borne  in  these  unworthy  and  treasonable  practices  j 
that,  with  a  view  to  obtain  this  disclosure,  so  essential  to  the  safety  of  the 
garrison,  he  had,  conjointly  with  Major  Blackwater,  visited  the  cell  of  the 
prisoner,  to  whom  he  related  the  fact  of  the  murder  of  Douellan,  in  the  dis- 
guise of  his  master's  miifonn,  conjuring  him,  at  the  same  time,  if  lit?  regarded 
his  own  life,  and  the  safety  of  those  who  were  most  dear  to  him,  to  give  a 
clue  to  the  solution  of  this  mysterious  circumstance,  and  discbnc  the  nature 
and  extent  of  his  connection  with  the  enemy  witliout  j  tliat  the  prisoner  how- 
ever resolutely  denied,  as  before,  the  guilt  imputed  to  him,  hue  having  had 
time  to  concoct  a  plaiisible  story,  stated,  (doubtless  with  a  view  to  shield 
himself  from  the  severe  punishment  he  well  knew  to  be  attached  to  his  of- 
fence.) that  Captain  de  Haldimar  himself  hud  removed  the  keys  from  the 
guard-room,  opened  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  and  accompanied  by  his  servant, 
dressed  in  a  colored  coat,  had  sullied  forth  upon  the  common.  And  this,  em- 
phatically pursued  the  governor,  the  prisoner  admits  he  permitted,  although 
well  aware  that,  by  an  order  of  long  standing  for  the  security  of  theganisou. 
Buch  a  flagrant  dereliction  of  his  duty  subjected  him  to  the  punishment  of 
death.  ^ 

Major  Blackwater  was  the  next  witness  examined.    His  testimony  went  to 


been  found  open,  and  the  confusion 


maui< 


prove  the  fact  of  the  gate  havin„ 

fested  by  the  prisoner.  It  also  substantiated  that  part  of  the  governor's 
evidence  on  the  third  charge,  which  related  to  the  confession  recently  made 
by  Halloway,  on  which  that  charge  had  been  framed. 

The  sergeant  of  the  guard,  and  the  governor's  orderly  having  se/erallj 
wwraborated  the  first  portions  of  Major  Blackwater's  evidence,  the  examine 
tiQH  on  thepvt  of  the  ^rpse^ution  terminated;  when  ihe  prQwlQUt  njUed  w 


WACOUSTA,  or,  the  PROPnECY. 


41 


ameneed. 

t  he  had 
obtained 
ust  have 
corres- 

ite  it  had 
accused, 

had  been 

for  al- 
murder 
3en  forci- 
no  other 
■eady  de- 
Vamed. 
;  intcn-o- 
)Ost,  had 
ir  of  his 
he  court 
ler  to  be 
Juf'od  to 
radices ; 
y  of  the 
1  of  the 
the  dis- 
regarded 
0  give  a 
e  nature 
ler  bow- 
ing had 
>  shield 
)  his  of- 
om  the 
servant, 
Ills,  em- 
Ithough 
inison, 
lent  of 


went  to 

mani* 

ernor'a 

r  made 

/eraL'3 
muiny 
lied  uii 


the  prisoner  Halloway  for  his  defence.    The  latter,  m  a  clear,  firm,  an  \  cck 
Iccted  tore,  tnd  in  terms  that  surprised  his  auditory,  thus  addressed  ths 
Court : — 

"  Mr.  President,  and  gentlemen, — Although  standing  before  you  in  the  ca- 
pacity of  a  private  soldier,  and,  oh  !  bitter  and  humiliating  reflection,  in  that 
most  wretched  and  disgraceful  of  all  situations,  a  suspected  traitor,  I  am  not 
indeed  what  I  seem  to  be.  It  is  not  for  me  here  to  enter  into  the  history  of 
my  past  life ;  neither  will  1  tarnish  the  hitherto  unsullied  reputation  of  my 
family  by  disclosing  my  true  name.  Suffice  it  to  observe,  I  am  a  gentleman 
by  biith ;  and  although,  of  hite  years,  T  hfive  known  all  the  haidships  and 
privations  attendant  on  my  fallen  fortunes,  I  was  once  used  to  bask  in  the 
luxuries  of  affluence,  and  to  look  upon  those  who  now  preside  in  judgment 
over  me  as  my  equals.  A  marriage  of  affection, — a  marriage  with  one  who 
had  notliing  but  lier  own  viitues  and  her  own  beauty  to  recommend  her, 
di'ew  upon  me  the  displeasure  o"  m}'  family,  and  the  little  I  possessed,  inde- 
pendently of  the  pleasure  of  my  lelations,  was  soon  dissipated.  My  proud 
soul  scorned  all  thouglit  of  supplication  to  those  who  had  originally  spurned 
my  wife  fiom  their  presence ;  and  yet  my  heart  bled  for  the  privations  of 
her  who,  alike  respectable  in  family,  was,  both  from  sex  and  ihe  natural  deli- 
cacy of  her  frame,  so  far  less  constituted  to  bear  up  against  the  frowns  of 
adversity  than  myself.  Our  extremity  had  now  become  great, — too  great  for 
huntan  endurance ;  when,  through  the  medium  of  the  public  prints,  I  became 
acquainted  with  the  glorious  action  that  had  been  fought  in  this  country  by 
the  army  under  General  AVolfe.  A  new  light  burst  suddenly  upon  my  mind, 
and  visions  of  after  prosperitj^  constantly  presented  themselves  to  my  view. 
The  Held  of  honor  was  open  before  me,  and  there  was  a  probability  I  might, 
by  good  conduct,  so  far  merit  the  approbation  of  my  superiors,  as  to  obtaia 
in  course  of  time,  that  rank  among  themselves  to  which  by  birth  and  educa- 
tion I  was  so  justly  entitled  to  aspire.  Without  waiting  to  consult  my  Ellen, 
whose  opposition  I  feared  to  encounter  until  opposition  would  be  fruitless,  I 
hastened  to  Lieutenant  Walgrave,  the  recruiting  officer  of  the  regiment,— 
*endered  my  services, — was  accepted  and  approved, — received  the  bounty  mon- 
^y, — and  became  dennitely  a  soldier,  under  the  assumed  name  of  Frank  llal- 
loway. 

"  ft  would  be  tedious  and  impertinent,  gentlemen,"  resumed  the  prisoner 
after  a  short  pause,  ''to  dwell  on  the  humiliations  ofspirit  to  which  both  mv 
wife  and  myself  were  subjected  at  our  first  introduction  to  our  new  associ- 
ates, who,  although  invariably  kind  to  us,  were  nevertheless  ill  suited^  both 
by  education  and  habiU  to  awaken  anything  like  congeniality  of  ieehng  or 
similarity  of  pursuit.  Still  we  endeavored,  as  much  as  possible,  to  lessen  the 
distance  that  existed  between  us  ;  and  from  the  first  moment  of  our  joining 
the  regiment,  determined  to  adopt  the  phraseology  and  manners  of  thos' 
with  whom  an  adverse  (U-sliv.y  had  so  singularly  connected  us.  In  this  v 
ucceeded;  for  no  one,  up  to  the  present  moment,  has  imagined  either  my 
wife  or  myself  to  he  otlier  than  tlie  simple,  ui  pretending  Frank  and  Ellen 
II  alio  way. 

"  On  joining  the  regiment  in  this  country,"  pursued  the  prisoner,  after  an- 
other pause,  marked  by  much  emotion,  "  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  be  ap- 
^oiuted  to  the  grenadier  coiu^uuy.    GcutkiUQH}  you  uU  kuuw  the  anuablQ 


'•  .'fa 

w 


"ill 

4 

I'll 


m 


m 


m 


.^$ 


u.. 


ill 


12 


\VA(  Ol>TA,  OU,  TIIK  PKOPHECY. 


I 


5 


S 

n 

I' 


my 

lunitj 
Frt'iicli 


part,  1  'i:iil  the  <iOO(l  fortune  to  save  the  life  of  my  captain, 
aiis/as  von  all!  gentlemen,  must  recollect,  had  approached 
unperceiVed,  and  'while  busily  engaged  with  the   French  in 


qualities  of  Oiiptain  do  TIaldimar.  T?ut  nUhough,  unlike  yourselves,  I  hare 
learnt  to  a.linire  that  oflicer  only  at  a  distance,  n.y  devotion  to  his  interests 
has  been  proportioned  to  the  kindness  with  which  I  have  ever  been  treated 
by  him ;  and  nuiy  I  not  add,  after  this  avowal  of  my  former  condition,  my 
most  fervent  desire  lias  all  along  been  to  k=oi/.e  the  first  fiivorable  opportunity 
of  performiii'-  some  action  that  would  eveiitua!ly  elevate  mc  to  a  position  in 
which  I  mi'dit.  without  hhishiug  for  thf  at.srn.c  of  the  ennobling  qualities;  of 
birth  and  <oudiiion,  avow  mvself  his  IVicnd.  and  solicit  that  distnjction  froa 
Riual  which  was.-  part-illy  extcinl-'d  to  n.c  '.,•  r  V  superior?  Ihe  optwr 
it;  I  sought  was  not  long  wanting.  At  llic  niciuoiiihle  affair  vyith  tht 
vneral  Levi  at  Ouebec.  in  which  orr  u-gimeut  lio:e  so  conspicuous  a 
'  -     "^  ■     "•     ■•  '  -       A  band  of  Indi 

our  right  Hank 
....perceived,  aim  wniie  uusuy  c:ii^iij;,i;u  witu  mc  i  iv.i.  ••  in  iront,  we  were 
compelled  (o  divide  our  fire  between  them  and  our  new  and  fierce  assaiUvnts. 
The  leader  of  t)>iit  band  was  a  French  officer,  who  seemed  particularly  to 
direct  his  attempts  .against  the  life  of  Captain  de  Haldiiaar.  He  was  a  man 
of  powerful  proportions  and  gigantic  stuttire " 

''  Hold  !"  said  the  governor,  starting  suddenly  from  the  scat  in  which  he  had 
listened  with  evident  impatience  to  this  long  outline  of  the  prisoner's  history. 
"  Gentlomen."  addressing  the  court,  "  that  is  t'lo  very  stranger  who  was  in 
my  apartment  last  night,— the  being  with  whom  the  piisoncr  is  evidently  in 
tread atous  correspondence,  and  all  this  absurd  tale  is  but  a  blind  to  deceive 
your  judgment,  and  mitig.ate  his  own  punishment.  Who  is  there  to  prove 
the  man  he  has  just  described  was  the  same  who  aimed  at  Captain  de  Haldi- 
mar's  life  at  Quebec  ?" 

A  flush  of  deep  in<lignation  overspread  the  features  of  the  prisoner,  whf>se 
high  spirit,  now  he  had  avowed  his  true  origin,  could  ill  brook  the  affront 
thus  put  upon  his  veracity. 

"  Colonel  de  TIaldimar  !"  he  proudly  replied,  while  his  chains  clanked  witli 
the  energy  and  force  with  which  he  drew  up  his  person  into  an  attitude  of 
striking  <]ignity  ;  "  for  once  I  .sink  the  private  soldier,  and  address  you  in  the 
character  of  the  gentleman  and  your  equal.  I  have  a  soul,  sir,  notwithstand- 
ing my  fidleu  fortunes,  as  keenly  alive  to  honor  as  your  own  ;  and  not  even  to 
^ave  my  wretched  life,  would  1  be  guilty  of  the  baseness  you  now  attribut* 
to  me.  You  have  asked."  he  pursued,  in  a  more  solemn  tone,  "  what  proot"  I 
have  to  show  this  individual  to  be  the  same  who  attempted  the  life  of  Captain 
de  Ilaldimar.  To  Captain  de  H-aldimar  himself,  should  Providcmcc  have 
spared  his  days,  I  shall  leave  the  melancholy  task  of  bearing  witno«.s  to  all 
I  here  advance,  when  I  shall  be  no  more.  Nay,  sir,"  and  kis  look  part(»Mk 
at  once  of  mingled  .scorn  and  desjwndenc}',  "  well  do  I  know  the  fiite  that 
awaits  me  ;  lor  in  these  proceedings — in  that  third  charge — 1  plainly  read  my 
death  wjuraut.  But  what,  save  my  poor  and  wretched  wife,  have  1  to  regret  ? 
Colonel  de  Ilaldimar."  lAi  continued,  with  a  vehemence  meant  to  check  the 
growing  weakness  which  the  thought  of  his  unfortunate  companion  called  up 
to  his  heart,  ''  I  saved  the  life  of  your  son.  even  by  your  own  admission,  no 
matter  whose  the  arm  that  threatened  his  existence";  and  in  eveiy  other  action 
in  which  I  have  been  engaged,  honorable  mention  has  ever  been  made  of  my 
conduct.    Now.  sir,  I  ask  what  has  been  my  reward  ?    So  far  from  attending 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  Till-:  rUO]'IlECT. 


my 


I  prove 
IlaMi- 


43 


n* 


to  the  repeated  recommendations  of  my  captain  for  proinotion,  even  in  a  suT>- 
ordinate  rank,  have  you  once  deemed  it  nectssary  to  acknowledge  my  ser- 
vices by  even  a  recognition  of  them  in  any  way  whatever  ?" 

" Mr.  President,  Captain  Blessington,"  inteiriipted  the  governor  haughtily, 
are  we  met  here  to  listen  to  such  language  frr-n  a  private  soldier  ?  You  will 
do  well,  sir,  to  exercise  your  prerogative,  and  stay  such  iinportinent  matter, 
\vhicl>  can  have  no  reference  wliatevor  to  the  defence  of  tlie  piisoner." 

"  Prisoner."  re.-iumed  the  president,  who  as  well  as  llio  other  members  of 

the  court,  had  listened  with  thv;  most  {)rof(>und  and  absorbing  interest  to  the 

singular  disclosure  of  him  wiiom  they  still  only  knew  as  Frank   Ilalloway, 

'tiiis  language  cannot  be   permitted;  you  nnist  contine   yourself  to  yoar 

def'Tce." 

'  Pardon  me.  gentlemen."  returned  Ilalloway.  in  his  usual  firm  but  resp'rl- 
ful  tone  of  voice ;  pardon  me.  if.  standing  on  the  brnik  of  the  grave  as  I  Ilo.  1 
have  so  far  forgotten  the  rides  of  military  discipline  as  to  sink  for  a  moment 
the  soldier  i))  the  genth'tisiin ;  but  to  be  taxed  with  an  unworthy  fabrication, 
and  to  be  treated  with  contumely  when  avowing  the  secret  of  my  cduhtioa 
was  more  thar  Inniiau  pride  and  human  feelina;  cruld  tolorate." 

"Conine  yourself,  priscuiei-.  to  \  oui-  defence."  agam  remarked  Captarn 
Blessington.  perceiving  tla;  restlessness  with  which  the  governor  listened  to 
these  boM  and  additional  observations  of  Ilalioway. 

Again  the  goveinoi'  interposed  : — ''  What  possible  connection  can  there  be 
between  this  man's  life,  and  the  crime  with  whith  he  stands  charged  ^ 
Captain  Hlessington,  this  is  trilling  with  the  court,  wlio  are  assembled  to  try 
the  prisoner  for  his  treason,  and  not  to  waste  theii'  time  in  listening  to  a 
history  utterly  foreign  to  the  subject." 

"  The  history  of  my  past  life.  Colonel  de  Ilardimar,"  proudly  returned  the 
prisoner,  "although  tedious  and  uninteresting  to  yon.  is  of  the  utmo.st  im- 
portance to  myself;  for  on  that  do  I  ground  the  most  essential  part  of  my 
defence.  There  is  nothing  but  circumstantial  evidence  against  me  on  the  two 
first  charges  ;  and  as  those  alone  can  reflect  dishonor  on  my  memory,  it  is  for 
the  wi.sdom  of  this  court  to  determine  whetlu  r  that  evidence  is  to  be  credited 
in  opposition  to  the  .solenm  declaration  of  him,  who.  in  admitting  one  cliarge, 
eq  lally  atl'ecting  his  life  with  the  others,  repudiates  as  foul  tbo.se  only  which 
would  attaint  his  honor.  (Jentlemen."  he  ptu'sued,  addressing  the  court,  "  it  is 
for  you  to  determijie  whether  my  defence  is  to  be  continued  or  not ;  yet,  what- 
ever be  my  fate,  I  would  fain  remove  all  injurious  impression  from  the  minds 
of  my  judges;  and  this  can  onl}'  be  done  by  a  simple  detail  of  circum.stances, 
which  niay,  by  the  unprejudiced,  be  as  simply  believed." 

Here  the  prisoner  paused  :  when,  after  .some  low  and  earnest  coiiver.sati«»n 
among  the  mcud)ers  of  the  court,  two  or  three  slips  of  written  paper  were 
pasi^d  to  the  President.  He  glanced  his  eye  hairiedly  over  them,  and  thiin 
directed  Ilalloway  to  proceed  with  his  defence. 

"I  have  stated,"  pursued  the  interesting  soldier,  ''that  the  officer  who  led 
.\e  band  of  Indians  was  a  man  of  gigantic  stature,  and  of  apparently  great 
strength.  My  attention  was  particularly  directed  to  him  from  this  circnm- 
Rtanco.  and  as  I  was  on  the  extreme  Hank  of  the  grenadiers,  and  close  to 
Captam  de  Haldimar,  I  had  every  opportunity'  of  observing  his  movements 
principally  pointed  at  that  officer,    lie  first  discharged  a  carbine,  the  ball  of 


1 


i 


iU 


ml 


^  ^^  WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PRCrHECY.  / 

which  killed  a  man  of  the  company  at  his  ^Captain  dc  Iluldimar's)  side ;  and 
then,  with  evident  rage  at  having  been  defeatca  in  his  aim.  he  took  a  pisto^ 
from  his  belt,  and  advancing  with  ra{)id  strides  to  within  a  few  paces  of  his 
mtended  victim,  presented  it  in  the  most  deliberate  manner.  At  that  mo- 
ment, gentlemen,  (and  it  was  but  the  work  of  a  moment,)  a  thousand  confus- 
ed and  almost  inexplicable  feelings  lose  to  my  heart.  The  occasion  I  had 
long  sought  was  at  length  within  my  reach  ;  but  even  the  personal  consider- 
ation,, which  had  hitherto  influenced  my  mind,  weic  sunk  in  the  anxious  de- 
sire i  entertained  to  pieserve  the  life  of  an  officer  so  universally  beloved,  and 
so  every  way  "orthy  of  the  sacrifice.  "While  yet  the  pistol  remained  levelled, 
I  sprang  bef  '  Captain  de  Ilaldimar,  received  the  ball  in  my  breast,  and  had 
just  strength  sufficient  to  tire  my  musket  at  the  formidable  enem^y,  when  1 
Kink  senseless  to  the  earth. 

"  It  will  not  be  difficult  for  you,  gentlemen,  who  have  feeling  minds,  to  un- 
derstand the  pleasurable  jjride  with  which,  on  being  conveyed  to  Captain  do 
Haldimar's  own  ijjartmcnts  in  Quebec,  I  found  myself  ulmoKt  ovei-whelmed 
by  the  touching  marks  of  gratitude  showered  on  me  by  his  relatives.  Miss 
Clara  de  Ilaldimar,  in  particular,  like  a  ministering  angel,  visited  my  couch  of 
guffering  almost  every  hour,  and  always  provided  with  .some  little  delicacy. 
Buitiible  to  my  condition,  of  which  I  had  long  since  tutored  myself  to  forget 
even  the  use.  But  what  principally  afforded  me  pleasure,  was  to  remark  the 
consolations  which  she  tendered  to  my  poor  drooping  Ellen,  who,  already  nmre 
than  half  subdued  by  the  melancholy  change  in  our  condition  in  life,  fre- 
quently spent  hours  together  in  silent  grief  at  the  side  of  my  couch,  and 
watching  every  change  in  my  countenance  with  all  the  intense  anxiety  of  one 
who  feels  the  last  stay  on  earth  is  about  to  be  severed  for  ever.  Ah  !  how  I 
then  k)nercd  to  disclose  to  this  kind  and  compassionating  being  the  true  po.si- 
lion  of  her  on  whom  she  lavished  her  attention,  and  to  make  her  known  not 
as  the  inferior  honored  by  her  notice,  but  as  the  equal  alike  worthy  of  hef 
friendship  and  deserving  of  her  esteem ;  but  the  wide,  wide  barrier  that  di- 
vided the  wife  of  the  ^/rivate  soldier  from  the  daughtei-  and  sister  of  the 
commissioned  officer  sealed  my  lips,  and  our  true  condition  continued  ur.- 
revcaled. 

"  Gentlemen,"  resumed  Ilalloway,  after  a  sliort  pause,  "  if  I  dwell  on  the.*'e 
circumstances,  it  is  with  a  view  to  show  how  vile  are  the  charges  preferred 
against  me.  Is  it  likely,  with  all  the  incentives  to  good  conduct  Ihave  named, 
I  should  have  proved  a  traitor  to  my  countiy  ?  And,  even  if  so,  what  to  gaip, 
I  would  ask ;  and  by  wliat  means  was  a  correspondence  with  the  enemy  to  be 
maintained  by  one  in  my  humble  station  ?  As  for  the  second  charge,  how  in- 
famous, how  injurious  is  it  to  my  reputation,  how  unworthy  to  be  entertained ! 
From  the  moment  of  my  recovery  from  that  severe  wound,  every  mark  of 
favor  that  could  be  bestowed  en  persons  in  our  situation  had  been  extended  to 
my  wife  and  myself,  by  the  family  of  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar;  and  my  captain, 
knowing  me  merely  as  the  simple  and  low  born  Frank  Halloway,  although 
»til]  the  preserver  of  his  life,  has  been  unceasing  in  his  exertions  to  obtain  such 
promotion  as  he  thought  my  conduct  generally,  independently  of  my  devoted- 
ness  to  his  person,  might  claim.  How  these  applications  were  met,  gentlemen, 
I  have  aheady  stated ;  but  notwithstanding  Colonel  de  Haldimar  has  never 
d«9med  we  worthy  of  the  promotion  solicite4,  tUftt  circumstance  coulc(  in  qq 


an  guv 


WACOrsTA,  Oil,  TtlE  PROrilECY. 


45 


side  J  and 
k  a  pistOi 
ces  of  his 
that  mo- 
ld confuK- 
on  I  had 
considcr- 
ixious  do- 
oved,  and 
IcveHed, 
and  had 
y,  when  I 

ds,  to  un* 

Captain  do 

rwhehned 

es.    Miss 

y couch  of 

e  delicacy. 

to  foif^et 

eniark  thu 

eady  nioie 

n  life,  fre- 

iouch.  and 

iety  oi  one 

Ih!  howl 

i  true  poKJ- 

known  not 

thy  of  her 

er  that  di- 

iter  of  the 

tinned  uri- 

11  on  there 
;  preferred 
ive  named, 
lat  to  gaip, 
leniy  to  be 
;e,  how  in- 
itertained ! 
y  mark  of 
xtended  to 
ly  captain, 
',  although 
ibtain  sucii 
y  dovoted- 
orcntlcmen, 
has  never 

!oul4  in  ua 


ivay  wealcen  my  regard  and  attachmont  for  him  who  had  so  often  demanded 
;t.    llo".v  tlicn,  in  Iho  name  of  licavcn,  ran  a  charge  so  improlable,  so  extrava- 
gant, as  that  of  having  been  instrumental  in  the  abduction  of  Captain  de  Ilal 
i\u\n.r,  be  entertained  V  and  who  is  there  among  you,  gcntlomen.  who  will  for 
ne  moment  believe  T  could  bnrbor  a  tbongbt  so  absurd  a^  that  of  lending  my 
olf  to  the  destruction  of  one  for  whom  1  ouce  cheerfully  oilered  up  the  sacri 
fice  of  mj'  blood  ?   And  now,"  pursued  the  prisoner,  after  another  short  pause, 
"I  come  to  the  third  charge, — that  charge  which  most  affects  my  life,  but  im- 
pugns neither  my  honor  nor  niy  fidelity.     That  God,  before  whom  I  kncnv  I 
shall  shortly  appear,  can  attest  the  sincerity  of  my  statement,  and  before  him 
do  I  now  solemnly  declare  what  I  am  about  to  relate  is  true. 

"  Soon  after  the  commencement  of  my  watch  last  night,  I  heard  a  voice  dis 
tinctly  on  the  outside  of  the  rampart,  near  my  ,)Ost,  callir.g  in  a  low  and  sub- 
dued tone  on  the  name  of  Captain  do  ITaldimar.  The  accent.s.  l'.a.;ti!.'and 
anxiously  uttered,  were  apparently  those  of  a  female.  For  a  numient  i  coiv 
timied  irresolute  how  to  act,  and  hesitated  whether  or  not  I  should  alarm  the 
paiiison ;  but,  at  length,  presuming  it  was  some  }'oung  female  of  the  villai- 
with  whom  my  captain  wUs  acquainted,  it  occurred  to  me  the  most  piiidc! 
i^uurse  would  be  to  apprise  that  officer  himself.  While  I  yet  hesitated  whether 
to  leave  my  post  for  a  moment  for  the  purpose,  a  man  crossed  the  parade  a 
few  yards  in  my  front;  it  was  Captain  de  Haldimar's  servant,  Donellan,  then 
in  the  act  of  carrying  .some  things  from  hifi  master's  apartment  to  the  guard- 
room. I  called  to  him.  to  say  the  .sentinel  at  the  gate  wi.shud  to  see  the  cap- 
tain of  the  guard  inmicdiateiy.  Tn  the  course  of  a  few  minutes  he  came  )H»  to 
my  post,  when  I  told  him  what  I  had  heard.  At  that  moment,  the  voice 
pgain  repeated  his  name,  when  he  abruptly  left  me  and  turned  to  the  kft  of 
the- gate,  evidently  on  his  way  to  the  rampart.  Soon  afterwards  I  heard  Cap- 
lain  de  Ilaldimar  immediately  above  me,  sharply  calling  out '  Hist,  hi.st!'  as  if 
the  person  on  the  outside,  despairing  of  .succes.s,  was  in  tlie  act  ')f  retreating. 
A  moTuent  or  two  of  silence  succeeded,  when  a  low  conversation  ensued  be- 
t'^'ecn  the  parties.  The  di.stance  was  so  great  I  coidd  only  distinguish  inarti- 
eulate  sounds;  yet  it  seemed  to  me  as  if  they  spoke  not  in  English,  but  in  thr 
angu-age  of  the  Ottawa  Indians,  a  tongue  with  which,  as  you  are  well  aware 
gentlemen,  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  is  familiar.  This  had  continued  about  ten 
viiinute8  when  1  again  heard  footsteps  hastily  descending  the  rampart,  and 
tnovtng  in  the  direction  of  the  guard-house.  Soon  afterwards  Captain  de  H»t 
dimar  reappeared  at  my  post,  a(!companied  by  his  servant  Donellan;  tni 
former  had  the  keys  of  the  gate  in  his  hand,  and  he  told  me  that  he  must  pass 
to  the  skirt  of  the  forest  on  some  business  of  the  last  importance  to  the  safely 
of  the  garrison. 

"  At  first  I  peremptorily  refused,  stating  the  severe  penalty  attached  to  the 
Infringement  of  an  order,  the  observation  of  which  had  so  es])ecially  been  in- 
sisted upon  by  the  governor,  whose  permission,  however,  I  ventui-ed  respect- 
Cully  to  urge,  might,  without  difficulty,  be  obtained,  if  the  business  was  really 
of  the  importance  he  described  it.  Captain  de  Ilaldimar,  however,  declared  he 
well  knew  the  governor  would  not  accord  that  permission,  unless  he  was  posi- 
tivaly  acquainted  with  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  danger  to  be  apprehended  j 
and  of  these,  he  said,  he  was  not  himself  sufficiently  aware.  All  argument  of 
this  nature  proying  ineffectual,  he  attempted  to  enforce  his  authont;^,  not  only 


:in 


i 


■^m 


j- ij 


46 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


In  Ills  capacity  of  ofTlcor  of  the  puanl,  ^iit  also  as  my  captain,  onlcnnn:  nio.  ot. 

?ain  ofconfincnicnt.  not  to  iiUcrrcro  with  or  atteiiii)t  to  iiiipcfli'  liis  ilciKirtiin-. 
'his.  however,  produced  no  better  result;  for  I  knew  (hat.  in  this  instance.  I 
was  amenable  to  the  order  of  the  governor  alone,  and  I  a^ain  lliinly  refused  to 
Violate  my  duty. 

"  Findinp:  himself  thwarted  in  his  attempt  to  enfoive  my  obedience,  Captam 
de  Maldimar,  who  seemed  much  a«ritatcd  and  annoyed  by  wliat  he  termed  my 
obstiiMcy,  now  desci'uded  to  entreaty;  and  in  the  iKiiiie  *A'  that  life  which  1 
IkkI  preserved  to  him,  and  of  that  "deep  patitude  wim-h  lie  had  ever  since 
tioiiie  to  me,  conjured  me  not  to  prevent  his  departui-e.   '  llalloway,'  he  urjjed, 
■  \  oiir  life,  my  life,  my  father's  life, — tlie  life  of  my  sister  Claia  perhaps,  who 
mused  you  in  illness,' and  who  has  ever  treated  your  wife  with  attention  and 
(Mildness,  all  the.se  dejjcnd  u|)on  your  compliance  with  my  ivcjuest.    Hear  me.' 
}ie  f)Ui'.sued,  following  up  the  impression   which  he  clearly  perceived  he  had 
proijuccd  in  me  by  this  sinf;:ular  and  touching  lanj^uaue:  '  I  promise  to  l>e  ba<'k 
within  the  hour;  there  is  no  daii'iOr  attendini;  my  departure,  and  here  will  i 
be  before  you  are  relievetl  fiom  your  post;  no  one  c;in  know  I  have  been  ab- 
sent, and  your  secret  will  remain  with  bonellan  and  niy.self.     Do  you  think,' 
he  concluded,  '  I  would  cncourtipc  a  soldier  of  my  regiment  to  di.sobey  a  stand- 
in;:  order  of  the  garrison,  miless  there  was  .some  veiy  extiaordinary  rea.son  for 
my  so  doing?    liut  there  is  no  time  to  l»e  lost  in  parley.    llalloway  !  I  entreat 
yoM  to  offer  no  further  o|)])osition  to  my  departuie.     I  pledge  myself  to  be 
bo'  k  liefore  you  are  relieved.' 

(fentlemen,"  impressive!}'  continued  the  i)iisoner,  after  a  pause,  durmj,' 
whic!i  every  member  of  the  couit  .seen)ed  to  breathe  for  the  first  time,  so 
deeply  luid  the  attention  of  all  been  riveted  by  the  latter  part  of  this  singu- 
lar declaration,  ''how,  under  the.se  circumstances,  could  I  be  expected  to  act  / 
Assured  by  Captain  do  Ilaldimar,  in  the  most  .solemn  manner,  that  the  exis- 
tence of  tho.se  mo.st  dear  to  his  heart  hung  on  my  compliance  with  his  re<|uest. 
flow  could  I  refuse  to  liim,  who.se  life  I  had  saved,  and  whose  character  1  .s(t 
much  esteemed. a  boon  so  earnestly,  nay, i<o  imploringly  solicited?     T  accedcil 
10  bis  prayer,  intimating  at  the  same  time,  if  he  returned  not  before  anollur 
sentinel  should  relieve  me,  tlie  di.scovery  of  my  breadi  of  duty  must  be  mnde, 
and  my  punishment  inevitable.     His  last  words,  however,  were  to  assure  nii; 
he  should  retui'U  at  the  hour  he  had  named,  and  when  I  closed  the  gate  upon 
him  it  was  under  the  firm  impression  his  absence  would  only  jjrove  of  tin; 
temporary  nature  he  had  stated.     Gentlemen,"  abruptly  concluded  Ilallowsiy. 
•'  I  have  nothing  further  to  add;  if  I  have  failed  in  my  duty  as  a  st)i(iioi.  I 
.have,  at  least,  fullilled  that  of  a  man;  and  although  the  violation  of  the  lirst 
entails  upon  me  the  punishment  of  death,  the  motives  which  impelled  me  to 
thai  violation  will  not.  1  trust,  be  utterly  lost  sight  of  by  those  by  whom  my 
punishment  is  to  be  aw.-irded." 

The  candid,  fearless,  and  manly  tone  in  which  llalloway  had  delivered  this 
!onc  and  singular  statement,  however  little  the  governor  a{)pcared  to  be  allected 
>v  it.  e\'idently  made  a  deep  impression  on  the  court,  who  had  listened  with 
undiverted  attention  to  the  close.  Some  conversation  again  ensued,  in  a  low 
tone,  among  several  mendiers,  when  two  slij)s  of  written  paper  were  pas.s^l 
up,  as  before,  to  the  president.  The.se  excited  the  following  interrogatories  :— 
"  Yon  have  stated,  prisoner,  tyiat  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  left  the  fort  accom 


were, 
once  mi 
to  me 

out  as,s| 
'•Off 

rojK!  .stj 
The 


/ 


nn;  mo,  01, 
1(']):iitun'. 
nstance,  I 
refused  to 

c,  Captuiii 
nnud  my 
e  wliich  I 
over  since 
he  urped, 
laps,  who 
iition  and 
Ik'ur  nu'.' 
ed  he  had 
to  he  ha<'k 
here  will  i 
e  heen  ah- 
rou  think,' 
ej  a  stand- 
reason  for 
!  I  entreat 
yself  to  he 

use,  duniii^ 
st  time,  so 
tliis  siniiii- 
ted  to  ai't  I 
it  the  exis- 
bis  re(|uest. 
racter  I  s(t 
T  arccilcd 
sre  anothiT 
4  lie  mmle, 
•  assure  me 
J  gate  upon 
•ove  of  the 

llailoway, 
II  soidiei.  I 
?>['  the  first 
tilKMl  me  t(i 

whom  my 

ivered  tliis 
be  all'eeted 
itened  with 
id,  in  a  low 
rere  passvl 
igatories  :•  - 
fort  accom 


WArorSTA,  0^\.  TV.V.  PTJOriiFrY.  A.^^ 

panied  by  his  sf^rrant  Donellan.     TTow  were  they  respectively  (bossed  ?" 

"Captain  de  Ibdchmar  in  his  uniform  ;  Donellau  as  far  as  I  could  oltsorvj. 
in  his  regimental  olothing  also,  with  this  dillercnce,  that  he  wore  his  servaul'H 
round  glazed  hat  and  his  grey  great  ooat." 

"How  then  do  you  account  for  the  extraoi'diiiaiy  circumsta;)cc  nf  Dom  Man 
liaving  heen  found  murdered  in  his  master's  clothes  i  Was  any  alluMon 
made  to  a  change  of  dress  before  they  left  the  fort  ?" 

'•  Not  the  slightest,"  returned  the  prisoner ;  "  nor  can  I  m  any  way  aecoiuit 
fiir  this  mysterious  fact.  When  they  quitted  the  garrison,  each  wore  thedrc^i 
I  have  des<Tibed." 

••  In  what  manner  did  Captain  c  ?  Ilaldimar  and  Donellan  effect  their  pas 
<age  a(;ross  the  ditch?"  Continued  »he  president,  after  glancing  at  tlie  seccmd 
slip  of  pafier.     "  The  draw-bridge  v  as  evidently  not  lowered.  an<l  there  were 
no  itiiier  means -at  hand  to  enable  him  to  effect  his  object  with  promptiinde. 
How  do  you  explain  this,  prisoner?" 

When  this  (piestion  was  put.  the  whole  body  of  oHicors,  and  the  governor 
tspecially,  turned  their  eyes  simultaneously  on  llailoway,  for  on  his  hesitation 
or  pi-omptnoss  in  replying  seemed  to  a,t;ach  much  of  the  credit  llicy  were  dis- 
posed to  accord  his  .statement.  llailoway  ob.serveci  it,  and  colored.  His  re- 
(ily,  however,  was  free,  unfaltering,  and  unstudied. 

"A  rope  with  which  Donellan  h«d  provi<led  himself,  was  secured  to  one  of 
the  iron  hooks  that  sui)port  the  pulleys  immeiliately  a))ove  the  gate.  Willi 
thi,^  they  swunn^  theuj.solves  in  succession  to  the  opposite  bank." 

The  members  of  tlie  court  looked  at  each  othei'.  ai»p;nently  glad  that  an 
answer  so  confirmatory  of  the  truth  of  the  prisoner's  statement  had  been 
thus  readily  given. 

"  Were  they  to  have  returned  in  th(:  same  maimer?"  purstied  the  president. 
flaming  his  interrogatory  from  tlie  contents  of  another  slip  of  paper,  which, 
nt  the  suggestion  of  the  govei-nor,  had  been  passed  to  him  by  the  prosecutor, 
Mr.  I.awson. 

"  They  were,"  firmly  replied  the  prisoner.  "  At  least  T  presumed  they 
were,  for,  I  believe  in  the  hurry  of  Cajjtain  de  Haldiniar's  d<.'pai  tore,  ht'  never 
once  made  any  direct  .allusion  to  the  manner  of  his  return ;  n<ir  did  it  occur 
to  me  until  this  moment  how  they  were  to  regain  possession  of  the  rope,  with- 
out a.ssi.stance  from  within." 

'•  Of  eour.se,"  observed  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  addressing  the  president.  '•  the 
ro|»e  still  remains.     Mr.  liawson,  examine  the  gate,  and  report  a<'cordingly." 

The  adjutant  hastened  to  acquit  himself  of  this  laconic  order,  and  .soon  af- 
terwards returujd,  stating  not  only  that  there  was  no  rojje,  but  that  the'  hook 
alluded  to  had  di.'^appeared  altogether. 

For  a  moment  the  cheek  of  the  prisoner  paled ;  but  it  was  evidently  less 
from  any  fear  connected  with  his  individual  existence,  than  from  the  .shame 
he  felt  at  having  been  detected  in  a  supposed  falsehood.  He  howi'ver  speedily 
recovered  his  .self-possession,  and  exhibited  lue  same  character  of  unconcern 
by  vvhich  his  general  bearing  throughout  the  trial  had  boon  distinguishcil. 

On  this  announcement  of  the  adjutant,  the  governor  betrayed  a  movement 
of  itnpatience,  that  was  meant  to  convey  his  utter  disbelief  of  the  whole  of  the 
prisoner's  statement,  and  his  look  seemed  to  express  to  the  couit  it  sliould 
also  arrive,  without  hesitation,  at  the  same  conclusion.    Even  all  authoritative 


mi 

I  a  r 

If 
I' 

1 


48 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


tA  he  wns.  howovor.  he  felt  that  military  etiquette  and  strict  disciplin"  pro- 
voiitc*!  his  iiitoiToriii?  fiirtlior  in  this  advanced  state  of  the  proceedings.  ^ 

'  Prisoner."  nq-ain  remarked  Captain  Blessinjrton,  "yonr  stntoment  in  re- 
gard to  tho  means  emi>loyed  hy  Captain  de  Ilaldiiiiar  in  etrectinj?  hisdepatttirc. 
o  von  nmst  admit,  mt  "upportH  >tv  npfaj-nnees.  IIow  hippons  it  the  rni,t 
IR  no  longer  where  you  siy  it  was  placed  ?  No  one  could  have  remvJved  it  h  i( 
yourself.  Have  you  done  so?  and  if  so,  can  you  produce  it,  or  say  where  it 
IS  to  1)0  found  ?" 

"Captiin  Blcssinjrton,"  replied  TIalloway,  proudly,  yet  respectfully,  "1 
have  already  invoked  that  great  Being  heforc  whose  tribunal  T  am  so  shortly 
to  appear,  in  testimony  of  the  truth  of  my  assertion ;  and  again,  in  his  pres- 
ence, do  I  repeat,  every  word  I  have  utteied  is  true.  T  did  not  remove  the 
rope!  neither  do  T  know  what  is  becotne  of  it.  T  admit  its  disappearance  is 
extnoi-dinary  but  a  motnent's  rellection  must  satisfy  tho  court,  T  wotild  w.i 
have  levised  a  talc,  the  falsehood  of  which  could  at  once  have  been  detectid 
on  an  examination  such  as  that  which  has  just  been  instituted.  When  Mr. 
Lawson  left  this  room  Just  now.  T  fully  expected  he  would  have  foiuKl  the  rnjie 
lying  as  it  had  been  left.  What  has  become  <if  it.  T  repeat.  T  know  not ;  but 
in  the  manner  T  have  stated  did  Captain  do  laldimar  and  Donollan  cross  the 
ditch.  I  have  nothmg  further  to  add."  he  oncluded  once  more,  drawing  up 
his  fine  tall  person,  the  native  eloirance  of  v  hich  could  not  be  whoily  di.snrni.«ed 
even  in  the  dress  of  a  private  .soldier  ;  '•  n  'thing  further  to  disclose.  Yet  do 
T  repel  with  scorn  tho  injurious  insinuation  again.st  my  fidelity,  suggested  in 
these  doubts.  I  am  prepared  to  meet  my  death  as  best  may  become  a  soldier. 
and  let  me  add.  as  best  may  become  a  proud  and  well  born  gentleman  ;  but 
humanity  and  common  justice  .should  at  least  be  accorded  to  m}'  memory.  I 
am  an  unfortunate  man.  but  no  traitor." 

The  members  were  visibly  impressed  by  the  last  sentences  of  the  prisoner. 
No  further  question  however  was  aslced,  and  he  was  again  removed  by  the 
e.scort.  who  liad  been  wondering  spectators  of  the  scene,  to  the  cell  he  ha  ^  ,so 
recently  occupied.  The  room  was  then  cleared  of  the  witnesses  and  st-  in- 
gers,  the  latter  comprising  nearl}'  the  whole  of  the  officers  ofT  duty,  when  the 
court  proceeded  to  delibentte  on  the  evidence,  and  pass  sentence  on  the  ac- 
cused. 


CHAPTER  YI. 

Although  the  young  and  sensitive  De  Haldimar  had  found  phy.sical  re'iff 
in  the  summary  means  resorted  to  by  the  surgeon,  the  moral  wound  at  his 
heart  not  only  remained  unsoothed,  but  was  reudere<l  more  acutely  painful  by 
tho  wretched  reflections,  which  now  that  he  had  full  leisure  to  review  (ho 
past,  and  anticipate  the  future  in  all  the  gloom  attached  to  both,  so  violeii  ly 
assailed  him.  From  the  moment  wlien  his  brother's  strange  and  mysterijus 
disappearance  had  been  communicated  by  the  adjutant  in  the  manner  we  hnve 
already  seen,  his  spirits  had  been  deeply  and  fearfully  depressed.  Still  he  !.ad 
every  reason  to  expect,  from  the  well-known  character  of  Hallo  way,  the  strong 


shade  oil 
eriy  atti 
othei'  w 
fi'om  be 
seml)lan 
personal 
and  tiihl 
llected  (I 
as  rnostl 
Hi^ns  itf 
fession.  I 
than  wl| 
Not  tin 


Ifr:"  pro. 

nt  m  re- 
epnitnn*, 

thp  rout 
ved  it  b  n 

where  it 

Lfully,  "I 
50  sliortly 
bis  prci^- 
niovo  the 
learanco  is 
.vonld  nr.t 

1     (It'tCCliil 

iVhcn  Mr. 
A  the  r'^]ie 
'  not ;  hut 
I  ci'oss  the 
tiwvinp:  up 
y  distrnised 
0.  Yi't  do 
jrircstod  in 
c  a  soldier, 
eman  ;  bnt 
icniory.     I 

\e  prisoner, 
vcd  by  tlie 
!1  be  ba  ^  so 

and  st'in- 
y,  when  the 

on  the  ac- 


ysical  re'i^f 

ound  at  bin 

y  painful  by 

review  Hie 

so  violeii' ly 

niysterijus 

iner  we  bnve 

Still  he  had 

y,  the  strong 


WAcorsTA,  OR.  TnE  pRorriECT. 


40 


T 


IT 


hope  cxprcR.sed  by  the  latter  mipbt  be  realized  ;  and  that  at  the  bonr  apimf^it- 
ed  ODr  trial,  his  brother  would  be  ])resent  in  explain  the  >  ;mse  of  his  invytiri- 
ons  ahsf'nee.  justify  the  rondnct  of  his  siibordiniite.  and  i'xon<'rate  hini  frvnj 
the  treaehery  with  which  he  now  stood  char;;cd.  Yrt.  ].<uv(,.rful  as  this  1:<  [.c 
was.  it  was  nnavnidnhly  riunlified  by  dispiiitinpr  do-tbt  ;  Cor  a  nature  Aflicti  ti- 
at"'  and  bland,  as  tliat  of  (Jliarles  de  Il;iidini;\r.  could  not  'mt  harboi  distn  ;t. 
wdiile  a  shadow  of  uncertainty,  in  regard  to  the  fate  of  a  hrother  so  tend.  '\' 
iored.  remained.  He  had  {>)rced  himself  to  believe  as  niiich  as  possible  w  'it 
he  wislie<l.  and  the  effort  had.  to  a  'Mi;ii.i  extent,  succeeded  ;  but  there  !  i.! 
N'cn  somethini:  so  soleiun  and  so  impressive  in  the  scene  that  h;id  p:i<'  d 
when  the  pri.-^oner  was  first  brou<rht  up  for  trial,  sonietbinc:  so  fearfidly  |i  f> 
photic  in  the  wild  lamruMire  of  his  uidiofn.y  'vif'.  he  had  fotind  it  iiupo.ssi  Ic 
to  resist  the  influence  of  t!>e  almost  supi'ist  tiou.s  awn  they  had  awakened 
his  heart.  « 

A'hal  the  feelings  of  the  3'oung;  ofRccr  were  subsequently,  when  in  th(  | 
M)r,,  of  the  murdered  man  on  the  common,  the  victim  of  Sir  Everard  Valleton's 
aim,  he  recognized  that  biotlier.  wbwe  disappearance  had  occasioned  him  so 
much  inipiietude,  we  shall  not  attem]»t  to  de.^i-ribe  ;  their  nature  is  best  sho'vn 
in  the  ellect  the}^  produced — the  almost  ovei'whelming  agony  of  lM)dy  aj\d 
mind,  which  bad  borne  him,  like  a  stricken  ])lant.  tmresisting  to  the  earth. 
But  now  that,  in  the  calm  and  solitude  of  his  chandx-r,  he  had  leisure  to  re- 
view the  fearful  events  conspiring  to  ])roduce  this  extremity,  his  anguish  of 
spirit  was  even  deeper  than  when  the  first  ruil<;  shock  of  (-onviction  had  flash 
ed  upon  his  understanding.  A  tide  of  sullering,  that  overpowered,  witboui 
rendering  him  sensible  of  its  positive  and  abstract  oliaracter,  had,  in  the  first 
instance,  oppres.^ed  his  faculties,  and  obscured  his  perception  ;  but  now.  slow 
sure,  stinging,  antl  gradually  succeeding  each  other,  came  every  bitter  th(.uglit 
and  reliection  of  which  that  tide  was  composed  ;  and  the  generous  heart  of" 
Charles  de  Haldimar  was  a  prey  to  feelings  that  wotdd  have  wrung  the  soul. 
and  wounded  the  sensibilities  of  one  far  less  gentle  and  susceptible  than  him 
fielf 

Between  Sir  E>ei-ard  Valletort  and  Charles  de  Ilaldimar.  who,  it  has  already 
been  lemarked,  wcie  lieutenants  in  Captain  Blessington's  company,  a  senM- 
ment  of  friendship  had  been  snlleied  to  spring  up  almost  from  the  momen; 
of  Sir  Everard's  joining.  The  young  men  were  nearly  of  the  same  age  ;  aini 
although  the  one  was  all  gentleness,  the  oilier  all  .spirit  and  vivacity,  not  a 
shade  of  disunion  had  at  r  iv  ])eriod  intervened  to  interrupt  the  almost  brotli- 
erly  attachment  subsisting  1  etween  them,  and  each  felt  the  disposition  of  the 
othei-  was  the  one  most  assi  uilated  to  his  own.  In  fact,  Sir  PiVerard  was  far 
from  being  the  ei)heiueial  e'laiacter  he  was  often  willing  to  appear.  Under  a 
sendilance  of  allectation.  and  much  assumed  levity  of  manner,  never,  however, 
per.^oiudlj'  oU'ensive,  he  coi  cealed  a  brave,  geneious,  warm,  and  manh'  heart, 
and  talents  becoming  the  rank  he  held  in  ?:ocicty,  such  as  would  not  have  re- 
flected di.scredit  on  one  numbering  twice  his  years.  He  h.'id  entered  the  avir.y 
as  most  young  men  of  rank  u.sually  did  at  tliat  period,  rather  for  the  ag^re- 
Hi^na  it  held  foith,  than  with  any  serious  view  to  advancement  in  it  as  a  pro- 
fession. Still  he  entertained  tlie  praiseworthy  desire  of  being  something  more 
than  what  is,  among  mil'tary  men,  emphatically  termed  a  feather-bed  sddier. 
Not  that  we  mean,  however,  to  assert  he  was  not  a  feather-bed  soldier  in  its 


■\i 

■•.    ■t;i 


""■rt 


I 


60 


WAfc'«¥STA,  «R,  TIIK  rHOPITEOY. 


^i  i 


if  ;    :; 


more  literal  sense  ;  in  ti\ct,  liis  own  o>).scrvntl()ns,  recorded  In  tlie  cnrTy  p«n 
of  this  volume,  suttlciintly  prove  his  predilirtion  for  the  indulgence  of  presn- 
ing  hi.s  downy  coueli  to  wimt  is  termed  a  dicent  hour  in  the  day. 

We  need  scarwly  stiite  Sir  Everard's  Oieories  on  this  important  flnbjort 
were  seldom  reduced  to  pvaclice ;  for,  even  long  hcfore  the  Indians  had  hr^ 
ken  out  into  open  hosiiliiy,  when  such  precautions  were  rendered  indispensa- 
ble, Colonel  de  llaliliiimr'had  never  suffered  either  oflicer  or  man  to  Finger  on 
his  pillow  after  the  first  fjt-iiit  dawn  had  apponred.  This  was  a  Ky«tcm  to 
whicli  Sir  Everard  could  never  reconcile  liimsclf.  '' If  the  men  must  he 
(Irilli d,"  he  urged,  "  with  a  view  to  their  health  and  discipline,  why  not  pla<'o 
tlant  under  tlie  direction  of  the  adjutant  or  the  officer  of  the  day,  whoever  he 
niigiit  chance  to  be,  and  not  unnecessarily  disturb  a  body  of  gentlemen  from 
tlieir  comfortable  slumbers  at  that  unconscionalJe  hour  ?"  Poor  Sir  Everard  I 
this  was  the  only  giievauce  of  which  he  complained,  and  he  complaino4l 
bitterly.  Scarcely  a  niorniug  passed  without  his  inveighing  loudly  against 
the  liarbaritj  of  such  a  custom ;  threatenin.a;  at  the  same  time,  amid  the 
\augli!or  of  his  companions,  to  quit  the  service  in  disgust  at  what  he  called  so 
nngcntlemanly  and  gothic  a  habit ;  and,  but  for  two  motives,  there  is  every 
probability  he  would  have  seriously  availed  himself  of  the  earliest  opportunity 
of  retiring.  The  first  of  these  was  his  growing  friendship  for  the  amiable 
and  gentle  Charles  do  Haldimar ;  the  second,  the  secret,  and  scarcely  to  him- 
nelf  acknowledged,  m  -iivsl  which  had  bccji  created  in  his  heart  for  his  sistt*! 
Clara ,  whom  he  only  knew  from  the  glowir;;  descriptions  of  his  triemi,  and 
the  strong  resemblance  she  was  said  to  bear  to  him  by  the  other  officers. 

(Marade  Haldimar  was  the  constant  theme  of  her  younger  brother's  praise. 
Ilcr  image  was  ever  uppermost  in  his  thoughts — her  name  ever  hovermg  on 
his  lips;  and  when  alone  with  his  friend  Valletort,  it  was  his  delight  to  dweij 
on  the  worth  and  acconij)lislimeiits  of  his  amiable  and  beloved  sister.  Then, 
.  indeed,  would  his  usually  calm  blue  eye  sparkle  with  the  animation  of  hii 
Bubject.  while  his  coloring  check  marked  all  the  warmth  and  sincerity  witl 
which  he  bore  attestation  to  her  gentleness  and  her,  goodness.  The  heart  of 
Charles  do  Haldimar,  soldier  as  he  wa.s,  was  pure,  generous,  and  unsophisti« 
catcd  as  that  of  the  sistci-  whom  he  so  constantly  eulogised ;  and,  while  list- 
ening to  his  eloquent  praises,  Sir  Everard  learnt  to  feel  an  interest  in  a  being 
whom  all  declared  to  be  the  counterpart  of  her  brother,  as  well  in  personal 
attiaction  as  in  singleness  of  nature.  With  all  his  affected  levity,  and  not- 
withstanding his  early  initiation  into  fashionable  life — the  matter-of-fact  life 
which  strikes  at  the  existence  of  our  earlier  and  dearer  illusions — there  was  a 
dash  of  romance  in  the  character  of  the  young  baronet  which  tended  much  to 
increase  the  pleasure  he  always  took  in  the  warm  descriptions  of  his  friend. 
T)ie  very  circumstance  of  her  being  personally  unknown  to  him,  was,  with  Sir 
Eveiard.  an  additional  motive  for  interest  in  Miss  de  Haldimar. 

Imagination  and  mystery  generally  work  their  way  together;  and  as  there 
was  a  shade  of  mystery  attached  to  Sir  Everard's  very  ignorance  of  the  per- 
son of  one  whom  he  admired  and  esteemed  from  report  alone,  imagination 
was  not  slow  to  improve  the  opportunity,  and  to  endow  the  object  with  char- 
acteristics, which  perhaps  a  more  intimate  knowledge  of  the  party  might  have 
led  him  to  qualify.  In  this  manner,  in  early  youth,  are  the  silken  and  will- 
ing fetters  of  thp  generous  and  enthusiastic  forged.    We  invest  some  objecti 


betw( 
ill  con 

Th 

only 

terost 

had  r, 

H.ildii 

staiiie( 

of  tha 

think 

cunnoi 

il*  vuj 

it  |>aii 


WACOVSTA,  •«,  TIIK  PKOPnKCY. 


51 


whoso  praises,  wliispcrod  sonctly  In  the  tnr.  liavo  plidcd  iinijorccpttld}'  to  the 
heart,  with  all  tlio  attributes  snpplii.fl  l>y  otir  own  vivid  and  rcadii}'  arconling 
iiiin;^'iuations ;  and  so  amistonit'd  do  wc  lu'conic  to  liufjjor  on  the  pifturc.  we 
adore  the  scniblanoc  with  an  ardor  which  the  original  often  fails  to  cxrito. 

Wo  do  not  say  (.Mara  dc  (laldiiinr  wonlil  have  fnllcti  short  of  th"  hi;rh  csti- 
mate  formed  of  her  worth  hy  thv  fritiid  of  her  hrotlrer;  ntitlur  is  jt  to  he 
understood.  Sir  Everard  snllered  iliis  fair  vision  of  hia  fancy  to  lead  him  into 
the  wi'd  and  labyrinthan  palhs  of  hoyish  romance. 

Whatever  were  the  impressions  of  the  yonnp  ')nronet.  antl  liowever  he  mipht 
have  been  inclined  to  snller  the  fair  imaj^e  of  the  gontle  Clara,  such  as  he  woa 
perha|»s  wont  to  paint  it,  to  exoriSe  its  sjjell  njjon  ..  s  fancv.  certain  it  is,  he 
never  <  ]»iT.s.sed  to  her  hi  other  ni(<re  than  that  esteem  and  mteiest  which  it 
WIS  but  natural  he  should  accoid  to  the  sister  of  his  friend.  Neither  had 
Charles  de  Ilaldimar.  even  amid  all  his  warnith  of  commendation,  ever  made 
the  slifihtest  allusion  to  his  sister,  that  could  be  construed  into  a  desire  she 
should  awaken  any  unusual  or  exlraordiuury  .sentiment  of  {(reference.  Much 
and  fervently  as  he  desired  such  an  event,  there  was  an  innate  sense  of  decorum, 
and  it  may  be  .secret  pride,  that  caused  him  to  abstain  from  any  observation 
havinj;  the  remotest  tendency  to  comi)i'omise  the  spotless  delicacy  of  liis  ador- 
ed sister;  and  such  he  would  liave  considei-ed  any  expression  of  his  own  liopen 
and  wishes,  where  no  declaiation  of  pieference  had  been  previously  made. 
There  was  another  motive  f<n'  this  reserve  on  the  part  of  the  young  oliicer. 
The  baionet  was  .,ii  ody  child,  and  would,  on  attaiuiuf^-  his  majority,  of  which 
111'  wanted  only  a  few  months,  become  the  pns.sessor  of  a  larne  fortinie.  His 
lister  Clara,  on  the  contrary.  Iiad  little  beyond  lior  own  fair  fame  and  tho 
Oeauty  transTnitted  to  her  by  the  mother  she  liad  lost.  Colonel  de  Ilaldinuir 
vi-as  a  yonnfrer  son,  and  had  mad(  his  way  throuj;h  life  with  his  sword,  and 
,n  unblemished  rejjutation  alone — advantages  he  ha<l  'bared  with  his  eliild- 
on.  for  the  two  ddest  of  whom  his  int  rest  and  lony  M-rvices  had  jirocured 
?m!uissior..?  m  his  own  re<ri!uent. 

But  even  while  Charles  de  Ilaldimar  \bstainod  frora  all  e>cj)ro5f«on  of  h\i 
hope.s,  he  had  fully  made  up  his  mind  that  Sir  Kverard  and  his  sister  were  sc 
formed  for  each  otlicr,  it  was  next  to  an  impossibility  they  could  meet  with- 
out lovini;;.  In  one  of  his  letters  to  the  latter,  he  hail  alluded  to  his  friend 
in  terms  of  so  high  and  earnest  panegyric,  that  Clara  had  ack'<owledged,  in 
reply,  she  was  prepared  to  find  in  the  young  baronet  one  whom  she  shouli 
legard  witli  partiality,  if  it  were  only  on  account  of  the  fricmlship  subsisting 
between  him  and  her  brother.  This  admission,  however,  was  commnnicato<J 
in  confidence,  and  the  yonng  officer  had  religion.sly  preserved  his  .sister'.s  sricret. 

The.se  and  fifty  other  recollections  now  crowded  on  the  mind  of  the  sufl'erer 
only  to  render  the  intensity  of  his  anguish  more  complete  ;  among  the  bit- 
terest of  whicli  was  the  certainty  tlwit  the  mysterious  events  of  the  i)ast  night 
had  raised  up  an  insuperable  barrier  to  this  union;  for  ho%  could  Clara  do 
Ilaldimar  become  the  wife  of  him  who."e  hands  were,  however  innocently, 
stained  with  the  life-blood  of  her  brother !  To  dwell  on  this,  and  the  lo.sg 
of  that  brother,  was  little  short  of  madness,  and  yet  De  Ilaldimar  could 
think  of  nothing  else;  nor  for  a  period  could  the  loud  booming  of  the 
Cannon  from  the  ramparts,  every  report  of  which  shook  his  chamber  to 
\\»  veiy  foundations,  call  off  his  attention  from  a  subject  which,  while 
it  paiued,  engrossed  every  faculty  aad  absorbed  every  thought.    At  length. 


lii: 


:i 


,  m 


.  \  '"A 
Hi 


m 


:V^ 


'  -vv-AcorsTA.  on,  Trr  pi:oruECY. 


0:5 

town!<?R  \ho  Hose,  he  rallcrl  faintly  to  tlu-  oM  mul  faithftil  solHior.  who. 
"t  the  foot  of  the  1)0(1.  stood  wutciiiii-  ••vcrv  clijimie  of  Ins  nmstrr's  (•(.im- 
t.-nance  to  know  the  (wise  of  the  (•.iiuK.iia.Ie.  (hi  hvUvz  infonuc(l  the  bat- 
teries in  the  rear  were  coverinir  the  reticat  of  Captain  Krskine.  who.  m  his 
ul'teinjit  in  ..l.taiii  llx'  h'.dv.  luvl  l»"cii  surprised  l.y  the  Indians,  a  new  direc- 
lion  -.  s  icinpoiaiilv  ,i;iven  to  his  lii.oiij^hts,  and  he  now  manifested  the  ut- 
1)!.  St  inipati(«nce  to  Isuow  tii(,'  result. 

!n  a  few  minutes  Morrison  who.  in  defianre  of  tlie  snri^eon'.--  strict  order 
not  on  any  aeronnl  to  quit  the  nwin,  had  tlown  to  ohtaiTi  some  intelligence 
'vhich  he  trusted  might  remove  the  anxiety  of  his  suti'ering  mjister,  again 
made  his  anpeai-anoe.  stating  the  corpse  was  already  .si-cured.  and  clo.se  under 
;lu!  guns  of  th(i  fort,  beneath  which  the  detachment,  though  hotly  assailed 
•Voin  the  forest,  were  also  fast  retieating. 

••  .And  is  it  reallv  mv  brother.  Moi-risou  ?     Arc  yoii  quite  certain  that  it  is 

.'j.ptain  de  ilaldiniar  ?"  asked  the  young  o(fi(n'r.  in   the  eager  ac(^ents  of  one 

••ho.  with  the  fullest  convicti(m  onhis  mind,  yet  gras])S  at  the  faintest  .shadow 

.  a.  '.onsoling  doulft.     "Tell  me  that  it  is  not  my  brother,  and  half  of  what 

,  pO'-ess  in  tlie  w(n'ld  shall  be  your.s." 

The  old  .)ldier  brushed  a  teaV  fi-o!n  hi.s  eye.  "  Glod  bles.s  you,  ^fr.  de  Tlal- 
.ini'ir.  I  woidd  irive  half  my  grey  haiis  to  be  able  to  do  so ;  but  it  is.  indeed. 
00  Lrr.'.y  the  captain  who  lias  been  killed.  I  saw  the  very  wings  of  hi.s  regi- 
•.K-ntaN  r.s  he  !ay  on  his  fice  on  the  litter." 

Charles  de  H:ddimar  groaned  aloud.  "Oh  Ciod  !  oh  God!  would  that  I 
lad  never  liveil  lo  see  this  day."     Then  sju'iuging  suddenly  up  in  his  bed — 

•  .N[oirison  where  are  my  clothes  ?  1  insist  on  seeing  my  .slaughtered  bi-otlfcr 
tnyself." 

•*  (i!'(iod  Il.'aven.  sir,  consider,"  said  the  old  maji.  approaching  the  bed.  and 
'ittcmpt  ng  to  rcphu^e  the  covering  which  had  been  sjHiiiied  to  its  very  foot. — 

•  rousi<UM"  vou  are  iu  a  Imrninj,  fever,  and  the  slightest  cold  may  kill  3"ou  altr,- 
}  'ther.  The  doctor's  orders  are,  3'ou  were  on  mo  account  to  get  up."  The 
I  liort  made  by  the  unfortunate  youth  was  momentary.  Faint  from  the  blood 
I  e  had  lost,  and  giddy  fr<jm  the  excitement  of  his  feelings,  he  .sunk  back  ex- 
I  austed  on  his  pillow,  aiid  w'pt  like  a  child. 

Old  .Morrison  shed  tears  a\  ;o  ;  for  his  heart  bled  f'»r  the  sufferings  of  one 
whom  he  had  nuised  and  plaved  witli  even  in  early  infancy,  and  whom,  al- 
fhiMigh  his  master,  he  regarded  with  the  alf'ection  he  would  have  l)orne  to  his 
own  child.  As  he  had  justly  observed,  he  would  have  willingly  g'ven  half 
his  remaining  years  to  be  nblc  to  remove  the  .^^ource  ef  the  .sorrow  whic-b  r 
•itMiily  oi»|>res.sed  him. 

When  this  paroxysm  had  .soiiiewha;  subsioed.  De  llaldiiuar  became  iii'.irc 
•ouifMj.sed  ;  but  his  was  rather  that  composure  which  giowsoiit  of  the  apathy 
|.i()duced  by  overwhelming  gi'ief  than  tlie  result  of  any  relief  allbrded  to  hi.s 
•^uU'ering  heart  by  the  tears  he  had  shed.  He  had  continued  some  time  in 
tins  faint  and  apparently  tranquil  state,  when  confused  .'^ounds  in  thebanatk- 
\  iird.  followed  by  the  raising  of  the  heavy  drawbridge,  announced  the  return 
iif  the  detachment.  Again  he  started  U}»inhis  bed  and  (leiiianded  his  clothes, 
ileclai'ing  his  intention  to  go  out  and  receive  the  corpse  of  his  nun-dcred  broth- 
er. All  oi)position  on  the  part  of  the  faithful  Morrison  was  now  likely  to 
prove  fruitless,  when  suddenly  the  door  opened,  and  an  officer  burst  hurriedly 
into  the  room. 


wret 


Ersk 


of  o 
mist 
Pre" 
flear 
my 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPIIECT. 


5} 


who, 


order 


agiam 


*'  Courap;e  !  courage  !  my  ucar  De  Ilaldimar  ;  I  am  the  bearer  of  good  news. 
Your  brotner  is  not  the  person  who  has  been  slain." 

Again  De  Itahhiuar  sank  l)a<;k  upon  his  pillow,  overwhelmed  by  a  variety 
of  conHicting  emotions.  A  moment  afterwai'ds,  and  he  exclaimed  reproach- 
fully, yet  almost  gasping  with  tlie  eagerness  of  liis  manner j. — 

"For  God's  sake,  Suinncrs — in  the  name  of  common  humanity,  do  not  trifle 
with  my  feelings.  If  you  would  seek  to  hill  me  with  false  hopes,  you  are 
wrong.  I  am  prepared  to  hear  and  bear  the  worst  at  present ;  but  to  be 
undeceived  again  would  break  my  heart." 

"  I  swear  to  you  by  every  thing  I  have  been  taught  to  revere  as  sacred," 
solemnly  returned  Ensign  Sunuiers,  deeply  touched  by  the  allliction  he  wit- 
nessed, "  what  I  state  ii;  strictly  true.  Captain  Erskine  himself  sent  me  to 
tell  you." 

"  What,  is  he  only  wounded  then  ?"  and  a  glow  of  mingled  hope  and  satis- 
faction was  visible  even  through  the  flush  of  previous  excitement  on  the  cheek 
of  the  sufferer.  "  Quick,  Morrison,  give  me  my  clothes.  Where  is  my  broth- 
er, Sumners  ?"  and  again  he  raised  up  his  debilitated  frame  with  the  intentior. 
of  quitting  his  couch, 

"  De  Haldimar,  my  dear  De  Ilaldimar,  compose  yourself  and  listen  to  me 
Your  brother  is  still  missing,  and  we  are  as  much  in  the  dark  about  his  fate 
as  ever.     All  that  is  certain  is,  we  have  no  positive  knowledge  of  his  death* 
but  surely  that  is  a  thousand  times  preferable  to  the  horrid  apprehensions 
under  which  we  have  all  hitherto  labored." 

"  What  mean  you,  Sumners  ?  or  am  I  so  bewildered  with  my  sufferings  as 
not  to  comprehend  3'ou  clearly  ?  Nay,  nay,  forgive  me ;  but  I  am  ahnost 
heart-broken  at  this  loss,  and  scarcely  know  what  I  say.  But  what  is  it  you 
mean  ?    I  .saw  my  unhappy  brother  lying  on  the  common  with  my  own  eyes. 

Poor  Valletort  himself "  here  a  rush  of  bitter  recollections  liaslied  on  the 

memory  of  the  young  man,  and  the  tears  coursed  each  other  rapidly  dowr 
his  cheek.  His  emotion  lasted  a  few  moments,  and  he  pursued, — ''  Poor  Val 
letort  himself  saw  him,  for  he  was  nearly  as  much  overwhelmed  with  afflic- 
tion as  I  was ;  and  even  Morrison  beheld  him  also,  not  ten  minutes  since 
under  the  very  walls  cf  the  fort ;  nay,  distinguished  the  wings  of  his  uniform 
and  yet  you  would  persuade  me  my  brother,  instead  of  being  brought  in  a 
corpse,  is  still  missing  and  alive.  This  is  little  better  than  trilling  with  m} 
wretchedness,  Sumners,"  and  again  he  sank  back  exhausted  on  his  pillow. 

"  I  can  easily  forgive  your  doubts,  De  Haldimar,"  retm-ned  the  sympathis 
ing  Sumners.  taking  the  hand  of  his  companion,  and  pressing  it  gently  in  his 
own  ;  "  for,  m  truth,  there  is  a  great  deal  of  mystery  attached  to  the  whole 
Rflair.  I  have  not  seen  the  bod}'^  myself;  but  I  distinctly  heard  Captain 
Erskine  state  it  certainly  was  not  your  brother,  and  he  requested  me  to  ap- 
prise both  Sir  Evcrard  Valletort  and  yourself  of  the  fact." 

"  Who  is  the  murdered'  man,  then  ?  and  how  comes  he  clad  in  the  uniform 
of  one  of  rur  officers?  Pshaw!  it  is  too  absurd  to  be  credited.  Ei^kine  ia 
mistaken — he  must  be  mistaken — it  can  be  no  other  than  my  poor  brother 
CVederick.  Sumners,  I  am  sick,  faint,  wi'ih  tl  is  cruel  uncertainty:  go,  mj 
iear  fellow,  at  on-.e,  and  f.\-imine  the  body  ;  then  return  to  me,  and  sat  «fy 
fuy  doubts,  if  possible." 

"  Most  willingly,  if  you  desiie  it,"  returned  Suumers,  moving  towards  the 
door  i  "  but  believe  me,  De  Haldimati  vou  may  make  your  mind  tranquil  on 


■li 


'<  u 


?*#i 


'III 


54 


WAOOL'STA,  OR,  THE  PEOPIHECT. 


i 


the  sij'qjoct—Erskine  spoT<e  with  certainty." 

'•  Have  you  seen  Valletort  ?"  asked  De  Haldiraar,  while  an  involuntary  shud- 
er  pervaded  liis  frame. 

"  I  have.  He  flew  on  the  instant  to  make  further  inquiries ;  and  was  in  the 
act  of  going  to  examine  the  body  of  the  murdeied  man  when  I  came  hcr«. 
But  here  he  is  liiniself,  an<l  his  countenance  is  the  harbingei-  of  any  thing  but 
a  denial  of  my  intelligence." 

"  Oh,  Charles,  what  a  weight  of  misery  has  been  removed  from  my  heart  I" 
exclaimed  that  officer,  now  rushing  to  the  bedside  of  his  friend,  and  seizing 
his  extended  hand.— "'Your  brother,  let  us  hope,  still  lives." 

"Almighty  God.  I  thank  thee!"  fervently  ejaculated  De  Haldhuar  ;  and 
then,  overcome  with  joy,  surprise,  and  gratitude,  he  again  sank  back  upon  hia 
pillow,  sobbing  and  weeping  violently. 

Sumners  had,  with  delicate  tact,  retired  the  moment  Sir  Everard  made  hia 
a[>pearance :  for  he,  as  well  as  the  whole  body  of  officers,  was  aware  of  tho 
close  friendship  tliat  subsisted  between  the  young  men. 

We  shall  not  attempt  to  paint  all  that  pa.ssed  between  the  fiiends  duiing 
the  first  interesting  moments  of  an  interview  which  neither  had  expected  to 
enjoy  again,  or  th*  delight  and  satislsictiim  with  which  they  congiatulated 
themselves  on  the  futility  of  those  fears,  which,  if  realised,  must  have  embit- 
tered every  future  moment  of  their  lives  with  the  most  harrowing  recol- 
lections. 

With  that  facility  with  which  in  youth  the  generous  and  susceptible  arc 
prone  to  exchange  their  tears  for  smiles,  as  some  powerful  motive  for  the  re- 
action may  prompt,  the  invalid  had  already,  and  for  the  moment,  lost  sight  of 
the  painful  past  in  the  pleasurable  present,  so  that  his  actual  excitement  was 
strongly  in  contrast  with  the  melancholy  he  had  so  recently  exhibited.  Nevei 
ha<l  Charles  de  Ilaldimar  api)eared  .so  eminently  hand.somc ;  and  yet  his  beauty 
resembled  that  of  a  fiail  and  delicate  womai",  rather  than  that  of  one  called  tc 
the  manly  and  arduous  jiiofession  of  a  soldier.  The  large,  blue,  long,  dark- 
lashed  eye,  in  wliich  a  shade  of  Ianj;or  hai-nioni/ed  with  the  soft  but  animated 
expre.s.sion  of  the  whole  countenance, — the  dimpled  mouth, —  the  small,  clear, 
and  even  teeth, — all  these  now  characterised  Charles  de  Ilaldimar ;  and  if  to 
these  we  add  a  voice  lich,  full,  and  melodious,  and  a  smile  sweet  and  fascinat- 
ing, we  sliall  be  at  no  loss  to  account  for  the  readiness  with  which  Sir  Everard 
suifered  his  imagination  to  draw  ou  the  brother  for  those  attributes  he  ai5cribed 
to  the  sister. 

It  was  while  this  impression  was  strong  upon  his  fancy,  he  ^ook  occasion  to 
remark,  in  leply  to  an  observation  of  De  Haldimar's,  alluding  to  tl»e  despair 
with  which  his  sister  would  have  been  seized,  had  she  known  one  brother  had 
fallen  by  the  hand  of  the  friend  of  the  other. 

"  Tho  grief  of  my  own  heart,  Charles,  on  this  ooca.sion,  would  liave  been 
httle  inferior  to  her  own.  The  truth  is.  my  feelings  during  the  la.st  three 
hours  have  let  me  into  a  secret,  of  the  existence  of  which  I  was,  in  a  gi'cat  de- 
gree, ignorant  until  then :  I  scarcely  know  how  to  expiuss  myself,  for  the 
communication  is  .so  truly  absurd  and  lomantic  you  will  not  credit  it."  He 
paused,  hesitated,  and  then,  as  if  determined  to  anticipate  the  ridicule  he  seemed 
to  feel  would  Ik-  attached  to  his  ('onfession,  with  a  forced  half  laugh  pin-su«d: 
"  The  fact  is,  Chaiics,  1  have  been  so  u»ueh  used  to  listen  to  your  warm  and 


WAWOUITA,  OK,  THE  PKOrUEi.  Y. 


:»c> 


elocjuent  praises  of  your  sister,  T  have  absolutely,  I  will  nol  say  fallen  In  lova 
with  (that  would  bo  Roing  too  far),  but  conceived  so  strong  an  interest  in  her, 
that  my  most  ardent  desire  would  be  to  find  favor  in  her  eyes.  What  say 
you,  my  friend  ?  are  you  inclined  to  forward  my  suit:  and  if  so,  la  there  ary 
fhanoe  fcr  me.  think  '  ou.  with  horself  ?•' 

The  breajt  of  Charles  de  Haldunar,  who  had  listened  with  deep  and  incretts> 
ing  attention  to  this  avowiil,  swelled  high  with  pleasureablc  excitement,  an<t 
raising  himself  up  in  his  bed  with  one  hand,  while  he  grasped  one  of  Sir 
Everard's  with  the  other,  he  exclaimed  with  a  transport  of  affection  too  forci- 
ble to  be  controlled, — 

"  (Jh,  Vallctort,  Vallctort !  this  is,  indeed,  all  that  was  wanting  to  complete 
my  happiness.  My  sistci"  Clara  I  adore  v^nth  all  the  affection  of  my  nature  ; 
I  iove  her  better  than  my  own  life,  which  is  wrapped  up  in  hers.  She  is  an 
angel  in  disposition, — all  that  is  dear,  tender,  and  atiectiouate, — all  tliat  is 
gentle  and  lovely  in  woman ;  one  whose  welfare  is  dearer  far  to  rao  than  my 
own,  and  without  whose  presence  I  could  not  live.  Valletort,  that  prize. — 
that  dearer  half  of  myself,  is  yours, — yours  for  ever.  I  havo  long  wished  you 
should  love  each  other,  and  I  felt,  when  you  met,  you  would.  If  I  have 
hitherto  forborne  from  expressing  this  fondest  wish  of  my  heart,  it  has  been 
from  delicacy — from  a  natural  fear  of  compromising  the  purity  of  my  adored 
Clara.  Now,  however,  you  have  confessed  yourself  interested,  by  a  descri|>- 
tion  that  falls  far  short  of  the  true  merit  of  that  dear  girl,  I  can  no  longer  dis- 
guise my  gratification  and  delight.  Valletort"  he  concluded,  impressively, 
'■  there  is  no  other  man  on  earth  to  whom  I  would  say  so  much ;  but  you 
were  formed  for  each  other,  and  you  w^ill,  you  must,  be  the  husband  of  my 
sister." 

If  the  youthful  and  affectionate  De  Ilaldimar  was  happy,  Sir  Everard  was 
no  less  so ;  for  already,  with  the  enthusiasm  of  a  young  man  of  twent}',  lie 
painted  to  himself  the  entire  fruition  of  those  dreams  of  hapniness  that  ha<* 
so  long  been  fatniliarised  to  his  imagination. 

A  single  knock  was  now  heard  at  the  door  of  the  apartment ;  is  was  ojieiud 
and  a  sergeant  appeared  at  the  entrance. 

''  The  company  are  under  arms  for  punishment  parade.  Lieutenant  Valletort, 
said  the  man  touching  his  cap. 

In  an  instant,  the  visionary  prospects  of  the  young  men  gave  place  to  th< 
stern  realities  connected  with  that  announcement  of  punishment.  The  tre4iso: 
of  Halloway, — the  absence  of  Frederick  De  Haldimar, — the  danger  by  whic} 
they  were  beset, — and  the  little  probability  of  a  re-union  with  those  who  wer 
most  dear  to  them, — all  these  recollections  now  flashed  across  their  minds  wit? 
the  rapidity  of  thougkt ;  and  the  conversation  that  had  so  recently  passtid  b« 
tween  them  seemed  to  leave  no  other  impression  than  what  is  produced  froc 
some  visionary  spcculaftion  of  the  moment 


'1     '% 

1     ,   ,' 

lii 


56 


WACOVSTA,  OR,  THE  PIlOPnECY. 


CHAPTER  vn. 


As  the  bells  of  of  the  fort  tolled  the  tenth  hour  of  morning,  the  groups  of 
dispersed  soldiery,  warned  by  the  rolling  of  the  assero^  ly  drum,  onoe  moie 
fell  into  their  respt'ctive  ranks  in  the  order  described  i  the  opening  of  this 
volume.  Soon  afterwards  the  prisoner  Ilalloway  was  re-conducted  into  the 
S(iitare  by  a  strong  escort,  who  took  their  stations  as  before  in  the  ininiodialo 
centre,  where  the  foriia-r  stood  principally  conspicuoiis  to  the  observation  ol 
his  comrades.  Ilis  countenance  was  paler,  and  h*!  less,  peihaps,  of  the  in 
dilli;rence  he  had  previously  manifested;  but  to  supply  this  there  was  a  cer- 
tain subdued  air  of  calm  dignity,  and  a  composure  that  sprang,  doubtless, 
from  the  consciousness  of  the  new  character  in  which  he  now  appeared  befoie 
his  superiors.  Colonel  de  Ilaldiniar  almost  immwliately  followed  and  with 
hiip  were  the  pi-incipal  stall'  of  the  garrison,  all  of  whom,  with  the  exception 
cf  ihft  sick  and  wounded  and  their  attendants,  were  present  to  s  man.  The 
former  took  from  the  hands  of  the  adjutant.  Lawson,  a  large  packet,  cjusisting 
cf  several  sheets  of  folded  paper  closely  written  tipon.  These  were  the  pro 
cctMiinss  of  the  coiirt-martial. 

After  enumerating  the  several  charges,  and  detailing  the  evidence  of  the 
t/itnesses  examined,  the  governor  came  at  length  to  the  finding  and  sentence 
of  the  court,  which  were  as  follows : — 

"  The  court  having  duly  considered  the  evidence  adduced  against  the  pris 
oner,  private  Frank  Ilalloway,  together  with  what  he  has  urged  in  his  defence, 
Bre  of  opinion, — 

"  That  with  regard  to  the  first  charge,  it  is  not  proved. 

"  'I'hat  with  regard  to  the  second  charge,  it  is  not  proved. 

"  That  with  regard  to  the  third  charge,  even  by  his  own  voluntary  confes- 
sion, the  prisoner  is  guilty. 

'■  The  court  having  found  the  prisoner  private  Frank  Ilalloway  guilty  of  the 
third  charge  preferred  against  him,  which  is  in  direct  violation  of  a  standing 
order  of  the  garrison  entailing  capital  punishment,  do  hereby  sentence  him, 
the  said  prisoner,  private  Friink  Ilalloway,  to  be  shot  to  death  at  such  time 
and  place  as  the  officer  connuanding  may  deem  fit  to  appoint." 

Although  the  utmost  order  pervaded  the  ranks,  every  breath  had  been  oiis- 
pended,  every  ear  stretched  during  the  reading  of  the  sentence;  and  now  that 
it  came  arrayed  in  terror  and  in  blood,  every  glance  was  turned  in  pity  on  its 
Linhiippy  victim.  But  Ilalloway  heard  it  with  the  ears  of  one  who  has  made 
up  his  mind  to  sufter;  and  the  faint  half  smile  that  plaj'cd  upon  his  lips 
Bpok(i  more  in  scorn  than  in  sorrow.     Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  pursued  : — 

'■  The  court  having  found  it  imperatively  incumbent  on  them  to  award  the 
punishment  of  death  to  the  piisouer,  private  Frank  Ilalloway,  at  the  same 
time  gladly  avail  themselves  of  their  privilege  by  strongly  recommending  him 
to  mercy.  The  court  cannot,  in  justice  to  the  character  of  the  prisoner,  refrain 
from  expressing  their  unanimous  conviction,  that  notwithstanding  the  myste- 
rious circumstances  which  have  led  to  his  confinement  and  trial,  he  is  entirely 
innocent  of  the  treachery  ascribed  to  him.    The  court  have  founded  this  cou- 


nel 


y 


WACOUSTA,  OK,  THE  PKOPUECY. 


57 


viction  on  the  excellent  character,  hoth  on  duty  and  in  the  field,  hitherto 
borne  by  the  prisoner, — his  well-known  attat.hment  to  the  officer  with  whose 
abduction  he  stui.ds  charni'd, — and  the  nianly,  open,  and  (as  the  court  are 
satisfied)  correct  history  given  of  his  former  life.  It  is,  moreover,  the  im- 
pression of  the  court,  that,  as  stated  by  the  prisoner,  his  guilt  of  the  thiiil 
ehar}i;e  has  been  the  result  only  of  his  attachment  for  Captain  de  Ilaldimar. 
And  for  this,  and  tin)  reasons  above  assigned,  do  they  strongly  recommend 
the  pi'isoner  to  mercy. 

(Signed)  . "  Noel  Blessington,  Captain  and  President 

"  Sentence  approved  and  confirmed. 

Charles  de  Haldimar,  Colonel  and  Commandant." 

While  these  concluding  remarks  of  the  court  were  bemp^  read,  the  prisoner 
manifested  the  deepest  eiiwtion.  If  a  siuilo  of  scorn  had  previously  played 
upon  his  lip,  it  was  because  he  fancied  the  court,  before  whom  he  had  sought 
to  vindicate  his  fame,  had  judged  hiu'  with  a  severity  not  inferior  to  his  colo- 
nel's ;  bi.t,now  that,  in  the  presence  of  his  companions,  he  heard  the  flatter- 
ing attestation  of  his  servioe.s,  coupled  even  as  it  was  with  the  sentence  that 
foiKk-mned  him  to  die,  tears  of  gratitude  and  pleasure  rose  despite  of  himself 
to  his  eyes;  and  it  reipiired  all  his  sell-eonniiand  to  enable  him  to  abstain 
fiom  giving  ex])ression  to  his  feelings  towards  those  who  had  so  generously 
interpreted  the  motives  of  his  derelictioD  'i'om  duty.  But  when  the  melan- 
choly and  startling  fact  of  the  approval  and  confirmation  of  the  sentence  met 
his  ear,  without  the  slightest  allusion  to  that  mercy  which  had  been  so  ur- 
gently recommended,  he  again  overcame  his  weakness,  and  exhibited  his 
v>onted  air  of  calm  and  unconcern. 

''  Let  the  pi'isoner  be  removed,  Mr.  Lawson,"  ordered  the  governor,  whose 
atcrn  and  somewhat  dissatisticsd  expression  of  countenance  was  the  'mly  com' 
mcnt  on  the  recommendation  for  mercy. 

Thi  order  was  pjouiptly  executed.     Once  more  Ilalloway  left  the  square 
&nd  vas  reconducted  to  the  cell  he  had  occupied  since  the  preceding  night. 

"  Major  Blackwater,"  pm-sued  the  governor,  "  let  a  detachment  consisting 
of  one-lialf  the  garrison  bo  got  in  readiness  to  leave  the  foit  within  the  hour. 
Captain  AVentworth,  three  pieces  of  field  artillery  will  be  rcf.uirod.  Let  them 
be  got  ready  also."  lie  theu  retired  from  thi)  area,  while  the  officers,  who 
hail  just  received  his  comnuinds,  prepared  to  fulLl  the  respective  duties  as- 
signed them. 

Since  the  first  alarm  of  the  garrison  no  opportunity  had  hitherto  been  af- 
forded the  officers  to  snatch  the  slightest  refreshment.  Advantage  was  now 
taken  of  the  short  interval  allowed  by  the  governor,  and  they  all  repaired  to 
the  mess-room,  where  their  l)i-eakr:ist  liad  long  since  been  provided. 

•'  Well,  Blessington,"  reuiaiked  Captain  Erskine,  as  he  filled  his  plate  for 
the  third  time  fi'om  a  large  haunch  of  venison,  for  which  his  recent  skirmish 
with  tlie  Indians  had  given  him  an  unusual  relish,  '■  so  it  stppears  your  recom- 
mendation of  poor  Ilalloway  to  mercy  is  little  likely  to  l>o  attended  to.  Did 
you  remaric  how  displeased  the  colonel  looked  as  he  bungled  thiuugh  it  ?  One 
might  almost  be  tempted  to  thinl 
{ietermincd  does  he  appear  to  carry  his  pointf" 


ho  had  an  interest  in  the  man's  death,  80 


'  1 


s 


m 


1 


I    • 


68 


WACOUSJTA,  OK,  TUJi  I'KOPUECY. 


Althougli  several  of  liis  coinpanfoiis,  pcrliaps,  felt  and  thought  the  same, 
gt'U  there  WHS  no  one  who  would  liave  vt-nturcd  to  avow  his  real  sentiments 
in  so  un(|ualiHc'(l  a  uiaiiner.  Indeed  such  an  observation  proceeding  from  the 
lips  of  un>-  other  odicer  wculd  have  exeited  the  utmost  siu-prise;  but  Captain 
Erskine.  a  hrave,  hold,  frank,  and  somewhat  thoughtless  soldier,  was  oue  of 
those  beings  wlio  are  privileged  to  say  anything.  His  opinions  w«re  usually- 
expressed  without  ccreniory ;  and  his  speech  was  not  the  most  circumspect 
tM/M),  as  since  his  return  to  the  fort  he  had  swallowed,  fasting,  two  or  three 
glasses  of  a  favorite  spirit,  which,  without  intoxicating,  had  greatly  excited 
him. 

"  I  remarked  enough,"  said  Captain  Blessington,  who  sat  leaning  his  head 
on  one  hand,  while  with  the  other  he  occasionall}',  and  almost  mechanically, 
raised  a  cup  filled  with  a  liquid  of  pale  blood  color  to  his  lips. — "  quite 
enough  to  make  u»c  regret  from  my  very  soul  I  should  have  been  his  prin- 
cipal jiidgc.  Poor  Ilalloway,  I  pity  him  muth;  for,  on  njy  honor,  I  believe 
him  to  be  the  gentleman  he  represents  himself." 

*'  A  finer  fellow  does  not  live,"  remarked  the  last  remaining  officer  of  the 
grenadiers.  "  But  surely  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  cannot  mean  to  carry  the  sen- 
tence nito  effect.  The  recommendation  of  a  court,  couched  in  such  terms  as 
these,  ought  alone  to  have  some  weight  with  him." 

•'  It  is  quite  clcir,  from  the  fact  of  his  having  been  remanded  to  his  cell,  the 
execution  of  the  poor  fellow  will  be  deferred  at  least,"  observed  one  of  Cap- 
tain Erskine's  subalterns.  "  If  the  governor  had  intended  he  shoidd  suHor 
immediately,  he  would  have  had  him  shot  the  moment  after  his  sentence  was 
read.  But  what  is  the  meaning  and  object  of  this  new  sortie  ?  and  v/hither 
are  we  now  going  ?  Do  you  know,  Captain  Erskine,  our  company  is  again 
ordered  for  tliis  duty  ?" 

•'  Know  it,  Leslie !  of  course  I  do ;  and  for  that  reason  am  I  paying  my 
court  to  the  more  substantial  part  of  the  breakfast.  Come,  Blet'singtou.  my 
dear  fellow,  you  have  quite  lost  your  appetite,  and  we  may  have  sharp  work 
before  we  get  back.  Follow  my  example:  throw  that  nasty  blood-thicken- 
intr  sassafras  sway,  and  lay  a  foundation  froiu  this  venison.  None  sweeter  ia 
to  be  iound  in  the  forests  of  America.  A  few  slices  of  that,  and  then  a  glass 
each  of  my  best  Jamaica,  and  we  shall  have  strength  to  go  through  tl  c  ex- 
pedition, if  its  object  be  the  capture  of  the  bold  Ponteac  himself." 

'•  I  presume  the  object  is  rather  to  seek  for  Captain  de  Haldimar,"  said 
Lieutenant  Boyce,  the  officer  of  the  grenadiers;  "but  in  that  case  why  not 
send  out  hi.s  own  company  ?" 

'  Because  the  colonel  prefers  trusting  to  coo'er  heads  and  more  experienced 
uriiis,"  good  humoredly  observed  Captain  Erskuie.  ''  Blessmgton  is  oar  se- 
Uior,  and  his  men  are  all  old  stagers.  My  lads,  too,  have  had  their  mettle  up 
already  this  morning,  and  there  is  nothing  like  that  to  prepare  men  for  a 
dash  of  enterprise.  It  is  with  them  as  with  blood  horses,  the  more  you  put 
them  on  their  speed  the  less  anxious  are  th^  to  quit  the  course.  Well, 
Johnstone,  my  brave  Scot,  ready  for  another  skirkmish  ?"  he  asked,  as  that 
offioer  now  entered  to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  an  appetite  little  inferior  ta  that 
of  his  captain. 


man 


"With  'nunquam  non  paratus' for  my  motto,"  gaily  returned  the  young 
in,  "  it  were  odd,  indeed,  if  a  mere  scratch  like  this  should  preveut  me  from 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  TUE  PKOrEECY. 


59 


the  same, 
>entimcnta 
from  the 
it  Captain 
ras  oue  of 
••e  usually 
rcumspect 

0  or  three 
ly  excited 

his  lioad 

ihanically, 

i. — "  quite 

his  prin- 

I  believe 

cer  of  the 
y  the  sen- 
terms  as 

s  cell,  the 
ic  of  Cap. 
iild  suHcr 
tcnce  was 

1  v/hither 
y  is  again 


lymg  my 

IgtOU.  Ill  v 

arp  work 
I-tliicken- 
}wcetor  is 
?n  a  glasA 
li  tl  c  ex- 

ar,"  said 
why  nut 

pericnccd 
vur  Re- 
aettic  up 
en  for  a 
you  put 
.  WeU, 
,  as  that 
r  to  that 

10  young 
me  from 


establishing  my  claim  to  it  by  following  wherever  my  gallant  captain  leads." 

'■  Most  courteously  upoken,  and  little  in  the  spirit  of  a  man  yet  smarting  uiule? 
the  infliction  of  a  rifle  wound,  it  must  be  confessed,"  remarked  Lioulen.int 
Leslie.  "  But.  Johnstone,  you  should  bear  in  mind  a  too  close  adherence  to 
tliiit  motto  lias  been,  in  some  (h'gree.  fatal  to  your  family." 

•■  No  relkciions,  Leslie,  if  you  please,"  returned  his  brother  suhalttin 
sliiilitly  rt'ildciiiug.  "  |f  the  head  of  our  family  was  tmfortunatc  cncMij;ii  ii 
'le  i-onsideinl  a  traitor  to  Kn^rland,  he  was  not  so,  at  least  to  Scotland  ;  :ir.'' 
Sn-iland  ivas  tlie  Iaii<l  of  his  Mrili.  IJut  let  his  political  errors  be  ri)ij:,oll<  n 
I'liHijih  tiie  winged  spur  no  lou,<:c'r  adorn  the  booted  heel  of  an  earl  of  An 
n;milale,  the  lime  may  not  he  far  distant  when  some  lil)oral  and  popidar  mtt 
nar.li  ol'  Kiigland  shall  restore  a  title  forfeited  neither  through  cowardice  ii«i! 
iiisli(M)or.  Imt  from  an  erroneous  sense  of  duty." 

"That  is  to  say,"  muttered  Ensign  Delme.  looking  round  for  an  appioval 
as  he  spoke,  "  that  our  present  king  is  ncithoi-  liberal  nor  popular.  Well,  Mr. 
Johnstone,  were  such  an  ohsei'vation  to  reach  the  ears  of  Colonel  de  Haldiuiur 
you  would  stand  a  very  fair  chance  of  being  l)rought  to  a  court  martial." 

''That  is  to  say  nothing  of  the  kind,  sir."  somewhat  flrcely  retorted  the 
young  Scot  j  '•  but  anything  1  do  say  you  are  at  liherty  to  repeat  to  Colonel 
de  Haldimar,  or  whom  you  will.  I  cannot  \inderstand.  Leslie,  wliy  you 
should  have  made  any  allusion  to  the  misforti:nes  of  my  family  at  this  par 
ticular  moment,  and  in  this  public  manner.  [  trust  it  was  not  with  a  view  to 
offend  mc ;"  and  he  fixed  his  large  black  eyes  upon  his  brother  subaltern,  as 
if  he  i\*ould  have  read  every  thought  of  his  mind. 

'•  Upon  my  honor,  Johnstone,  1  meant  nothing  of  the  kind,"  frankly  re- 
turned Leslie.  "  I  merely  meant  to  hint  that  as  you  had  had  your  share  of 
service  this  morning,  you  might,  at  least,  have  sutfercd  mo  to  borrow  your 
spurs?,  while  you  reposed  for  the  present  on  your  laurels." 

"  There  are  my  ga}'  and  gallant  Scots."  exclaimed  Captain  Erskine,  as  ho 
swallowed  off  a  glass  of  the  old  Jamaica  which  stood  before  him,  and  with 
which  he  usually  neutralised  the  acidities  of  }>  meat  breakfa.st.  "  Settled  like 
gentlemen  and  lads  of  spirit,  as  ye  are,"  he  pursued,  as  the  young  men  cor- 
dially shook  each  other's  hand  across  the  table.  "  What  an  enviable  com- 
mand is  mine,  to  have  a  company  of  brave  fellows  who  would  face  the  devil 
him.self  were  it  necessary  ;  and  two  hot  and  impatient  subs.,  who  are  ready 
to  cut  each  other's  throat  for  the  pleasure  of  accompanying  me  against  a  set 
of  savages  that  are  little  better  than  so  many  devils.  Come,  Johnstone,  you 
knt)w  the  colonel  allows  us  but  one  sub.  at  a  time,  in  consequence  of  oirr 
scarcity  of  odicers,  therefore  it  is  but  fair  Leslie  should  have  his  turn.  It 
will  not  be  long,  I  dare  say,  before  we  shall  have  another  brush  with  tl;a 
rascals." 

"  In  my  opinion,"  observed  Captain  Blessington,  who  had  been  a  sihmt 
and  thoughful  witness  of  what  was  passing  around  him,  "  neither  Leslie  nor 
Johnstone  would  evince  so  much  anxiety,  were  tlicy  aware  of  the  true  nature 
of  the  duty  for  which  our  com|)auies  have  been  ordered  Depend  upon  it,  it 
is  no  search  atler  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  in  which  we  are  alniut  to  be  eng*ge<l 
ior  much  as  the  colonel  love.'  his  son,  he  would  en  no  accoi  nt.  compromiM 
I  no  saftty  of  the  garrison,  by  sending  a  party  into  the  forest,  where  poor  Jh 
Haldimar,  U'  alive,  is  at  all  likely  to  be  found." 


Ml 


m 


M 


I 


fU 


'?,i 

!;,!! 


f 

ill 
m 


60 


WACOUSTA,  VH,  THE  i'KUPllECY. 


''Faith  you  arc  rijiht,  Blcssin^ton  ;  the  fjovcrnor  is  not  one  to  ran  thcoo 
Bort  of  risks  on  every  ■occasion.  My  chief  sui-prise,  indeed,  is,  that  he  suffered 
me  to  venture  even  U|)on  tfio  coininon  ;  but  if  we  are  not  designed  for  some 
hostile  expedition,  why  Iciivc  the  fort  at  all  ?" 

"The  question  will  mvd  no  answer  if  IliiUowaybe  found  to  accompany  us." 

''Phha!  why  shoiihl  IIa''oway  bo  taken  out  for  the  purpose?  If  he  be 
shot  at  all,  he  will  be  shut  on  the  ramparts,  in  the  presence  of,  and  as  an  ex- 
ample to.  tho  whole  garrison.  Still,  on  reflection,  I  cannot  but  tfiink  it  im- 
possible the  sentence  sI;ould  be  carried  into  full  effect,  after  the  stroni^,  nay. 
the  almost  unprecedented  recouiniendatiou  to  mercy  recorded  on  the  face  oi 
the  proceedings." 

Captain  Blessington  sliook  his  liead  dcspondiujily.  "  What  think  you, 
Erskine,  of  the  policy  of  making  an  example,  which  may  be  witui'ssed  by  tlie 
enemy  as  well  as  the  garri.son  ?  It  is  evident,  from  liis  demeanor  throughout, 
nothing  will  convince  th(>  colonel  that  Halloway  is  not  a  traitor,  and  he  may 
think  it  advisable  to  strike  terror  into  the  minds  of  the  savages,  by  an  execu- 
tion which  will  have  the  effect  of  showing  the  treason  of  the  soldier  to  have 
been  discovered.' 

In  this  opinion  many  of  tlic  officers  now  concurred  ;  and  as  the  fate  of  the 
unfortunate  Hallo  way  began  to  assimie  a  character  of  almost  certainty,  oren 
the  spirit  of  tho  gallant  Frskinc,  the  least  subdued  by  the  recent  (hstressing 
events,  was  overclouded  ;  and  all  sank,  as  if  by  one  consent,  into  silent  com- 
munion with  their  thoughts,  as  they  almost  mechanically  completed  tlie  meal, 
at  which  habit  rather  than  appetite  still  continued  them.  Before  any  of  tfiem 
had  yet  risen  fi'om  tlie  table,  a  loud  and  piercing  scream  met  their  ears  from 
without ;  and  so  quick  and  universal  was  the  movement  it  produced,  that  its 
echo  had  scarcely  yet  died  away  in  distance,  when  the  whole  of  the  breakfast 
party  had  issued  fi'om  the  room,  and  were  already  spectators  of  the  cause. 

As  the  officers  now  i)assed  from  the  mess-room  nearly  opposite  to  the  gate, 
they  observed,  at  that  part  of  the  f)arracks  which  ran  at  right  angles  with  it, 
and  immediately  in  front  of  the  a[)artment  of  the  younger  De  Haldimar 
whence  he  had  apparently  jnst  issued,  the  governor,  struggling,  though  gently^ 
to  disengage  himself  from  a  female,  who,  with  disordered  hair  and  dress,  lay 
almost  prostrate  upon  the  piazza,  and  clasping  his  booted  leg  with  an  energy 
evidently  borrowed  from  the  most  rooted  despair.  The  quick  eye  of  the 
haughty  man  had  already  rested  on  the  group  of  officers  drawn  by  the  scream 
of  the  supplicant.  Numliers,  too.  of  the  men,  attracted  by  the  same  cause, 
were  collected  in  front  of  their  respective  block-houses,  and  looking  from  tho 
windows  of  the  rooms  in  which  they  were  also  breakfasting,  preparatory  to 
the  expedition.  Vexed  and  irritated  beyond  measure,  at  being  thus  made  a 
con.spicuous  object  of  observation  to  his  inferiors,  the  unbending  governor 
made  a  violent  and  succcssrul  etloit  to  disengage  his  leg;  and  then,  without 
uttering  a  word,  or  otherwise  n  Meiiig  the  unhappy  being  who  lay  extended 
at  his  feet,  he  stalked  across  the  paraile  to  his  apartments  at  the  opposite  an- 
gle, witiiout  appearing  to  manifest  the  .slightest  consciousness  of  the  scene  that 
had  awakened  such  universal  attention. 

Several  of  the  officers,  among  whom  was  (Japtain  Blessington,  now  hastened 
to  the  assistance  of  the  female,  whom  all  had  recognised,  from  the  first,  to 
be  tho  interesting  and  unhappy  wile  of  1:  alio  way/  Many  of  the  couiradwi 
of  the  latter,  who  had  been  pained  and  pitying  spectators  of  the  scena 


ran  thco© 

he  suffered 
il  for  some 


np<any  us." 
If  he  1)0 
JUS  an  ex- 
iink  it  im- 
:roiij,',  nay. 
lie  fiice  of 

hink  you, 
sud  by  the 
irouj;hout, 
ui  he  may 
an  execu- 
er  to  have 

ate  of  the 
ii:ity,  oren 
listressing 
ilent  coin- 

the  meal, 
ly  of  them 

ears  from 
id,  that  its 

breakfast 
3  cause. 
)  the  gate, 
es  with  it, 
Haldimar 
gh  gently, 
dress,  lay 
an  energy 
ye  of  the 
lie  sci'eaic 
tne  cause, 

from  the 
iratory  to 
i  made  a 

governor 
I,  without 
extended 
aosite  an- 
iccne  that 

hastened 
e  first,  to 
comradbi 
le  scenOi 


WACOrSTA.  OR,  THE  PROrnECY. 


Gl 


also  advanced  for  the  same  purpose ;  t)ut,  on  perceiving  their  object  an- 
ticipated liy  tht'ir  superiors,  tiiey  withdrew  to  the  block-houses,  whence  they 
had  issued.  Never  was  grief  more  forcibly  depicted,  than  in  the  whole  ap- 
pearance of  this  unfortunate  woman ;  never  did  anguish  assume  a  character 
more  fitted  to  touch  t'lo  sotiI.  or  to  r-mmand  respect.  TT^r  long  fair  hair 
that  had  hilJuMto  bccii  Lul  umlcr  llit  'oarso  mob  cap,  u--ii.vily  woni  by  the 
vn^es  of  the  soldiers,  was  now  divested  of  all  fastening,  and  lay  shadowing  a 
white  and  jjolished  bosom,  which,  in  her  violent  struggles  to  ( ,tain  the  gov- 
ernor, had  I'lM'st  from  its  rude  but  modest  coiifinemevit,  and  was  now  dis- 
played in  all  the  dazzling  delicacy  of  youlh  ami  .sex.  If  the  oiiicers  gazed 
for  a  moment  with  excited  look  upon  charms  that  hjid  long  been  strangers  to 
their  sight,  and  of  an  order  they  little  deemed  to  lind  in  Ellen  llalloway,  it 
was  but  the  invohuitary  tribute  rendered  by  natiue  unto  beauty.  The  depth 
»nd  sacredness  of  that  sorrow,  which  had  left  the  wretched  woman  uncon- 
scious of  her  exposure  in  the  instant  al'ferwMnls  imposed  a  check  tipon  ad- 
miration, which  each  felt  to  be  a  violation  of  the  liist  principles  of  humac 
delicacy,  and  the  feeling  was  repressed  almost  in  the  moment  that  gave  il 
birth. 

They  were  immediately  in  front  of  the  room  occupied  by  Charles  de  Haldi- 
mar, in  the  piazza  of  which  were  a  few  old  diaii's.  on  which  the  ofncers  wore 
in  the  hnl»it  of  throwing  themselves  during  the  heat  of  the  day.  On  one  of 
these  Captain  Jilessiiigton,  assisted  l)y  the  officer  of  grenadiers,  now  seated 
the  suffering  and  sol)l)ing  wife  of  llalloway.  His  first  care  was  to  repair  the 
disonler  of  her  dress  ;  and  never  was  the  olliee  performed  by  man  with 
greater  <lelicacy,  oi-  absence  of  levity  by  those  who  witnessed  it.  This  wag 
the  fin»t  mojuent  of  her  consciousness.  The  inviolability  of  modesty  for  a 
moment  rose  paramount  even  to  the  ^iesolation  of  her  heart,  and  putting  rude- 
ly asid^'  the  hand  that  reposed  unavoidably  upon  her  person,  the  poor  woman 
started  from  her  scat,  and  looked  wildly  about  her,  as  if  en<lcavoring  to  iden- 
tify those  by  whom  she  was  siuTounded.  But  when  she  observed  the  pitying 
gaze  of  the  ollicevs  fixed  upon  lier,  in  earnestness  and  connniseration,  and  heart! 
the  bene\olent  accents  of  the  ever  kind  Blessington  exhorting  her  to  compo- 
sure, her  A'eeping  became  more  violent  and  her  solis  more  convulsive.  Cap- 
tain Blessiogton  threw  an  arm  round  her  waist  to  pievent  her  from  falling 
and  then  Uiotioning  to  two  or  three  women  of  the  comi)any  to  which  her  hus- 
band was  at*^^ached,  who  stood  at  a  little  distance,  in  front  of  one  of  the  block- 
houses, prepa'-ed  to  deliver  her  over  to  their  charge. 

"  No,  no,  not  yet !"  burst  at  length  from  the  agonised  woman,  as  she  shrank 
from  the  rude  but  well-intentioned  touch  of  the  sympathising  assistants,  who 
had  pronijitly  answered  the  signal ;  then,  as  if  obeying  some  new  direction 
of  her  feelings,  some  new  impulse  of  her  grief,  she  !iberate<l  herself  from  tlie 
Blight  grasp  of  Captain  Blcssington,  turned  sudf^enW  roimd,  and,  before  anv- 
one  could  anticipate  the  movement,  entered  an  opening  on  the  piazza,  raised 
the  latch  of  a  door  situated  at  its  extremity,  and  was,  in  the  next  instant,  in 
the  apartment  of  the  younger  De  Haldimar. 

The  .scene  that  met  the  eyes  of  the  officers,  who  now  followed  close  after 
her,  was  one  well  calculated  to  make  an  impression  on  the  hearts  even  of  the 
most  insensible.  In  the  despair  and  recklessness  of  her  extreme  sorrow,  the 
jroimg  wife  of  Halloway  had  already  thrown  herself  upon  her  knees  at  the 


\ 


62 


WAcourTA,  on,  rnr,  rrornKcY. 


))e(l  :4i<le  of  the  sfcK-  offlcor;  and.  with  lior  hamls  upraisetl  oiul  firmly  rlii'-ii -n 
(ofTcthor,  H'lis  iiDW  siipplicatiiijr  liiin  in  toiu;s,  contrastinj;  sinmilarly  in  thi'ir 
gciuloncss  with  the  (lt'|tth  of  tho  soirow  that  had  ri'ndereil  htr  thus  ro;;ard- 
loss  orfip|)('iiraiuvs.  and  iiiscnsihio  to  oJisorvation. 

••Oil.  Mr.  dc  Ihldiinar!"  sh(>  imi)lor('(l.  "in  the  name  of  God  and  of  our 
ricssi'd  Saviour,  if  yoii  would  save  me  from  madness,  intenrdi'  for  my  un- 
liii|i|iy  hiishand.  and"  |tR'scrvi'  him  from  the  horrid  fate  that  awaits  him.  Yoji 
are  too  jiood,  too  giiitie,  too  amiahle.  to  reject  the  prayer  of  a  heart-broken 
woman.  .Moreover.  Mr.  de  llalditnai^,"  slie  proceeded,  witli  deeper  ener^ry, 
while  she  caught  and  I'rosscd.  helween  Iter  own  white  and  hloodless  hands, 
me  nearly  as  delieate  that  lay  ixtended  near  her.  ''eon.sider  all  my  dear  but 
unfitrlimate  hushand  has  (,'oiit'  fur  your  family.  Think  of  the  blood  ho  onco 
Kpilt  ill  the  defence  of  youi'  hrollur's  life  ;  that  brother,  throu<rh  whom  nlone. 
oh  <fod  !  he  is  now  coiidciiiiK'd  to  <lie.  Call  to  mind  the  days  and  nijjhts  oi 
cnj^uish  I  p.as.sed  near  Kin  fourh  of  sutferinu:,  when  yet  writhini;  beneath  tho 
wound  aimed  at  tlie  life  of  (Captain  de  Ilaldimar.  Almiglity  Piovidencc !'  ■*\< 
pursued,  in  the  .same  impassioned  yet  plaintive  voice,  '*  why  is  not  Miss  0' tra 
lii're  to  plead  the  cause  of  the  iiuiocent,  and  to  touch  the  stuljborn  hear:  of 
li-r  UKTciless  father  1  She  would,  in<leed,  n>ove  heaven  and  earth  to  .save  vhe 
life  of  him  to  whom  slie  so  often  vowed  eternal  <;ratittide  and  acknovvledgnunt. 
Ah.  she  little  dreams  of  his  danger  now ;  or,  if  prayer  an<l  intercession  co.jld 
IP  ad,  my  hu.sband  would  yet  live,  and  this  terrible  struggle  at  my  heart  \vo;dd 
hi-  no  more." 

Overcome  by  her  emotion,  the  imfortunate  woman  suffored  lier  .aching;  head 
to  droop  upon  the  edge  of  the  bed.  and  her  sobbing  became  so  painfully  vio 
hint,  that  all  who  heard  l>er  expected,  at  every  moment,  .some  fatal  ti-Tuiina- 
lion  to  her  immoderate  grief.  Charles  de  Ilaldimar  was  little  less  aftected  ; 
und  his  sorrow  was  the  more  bitter,  as  he  had  just  proved  the  utter  ine^cacv 
of  anything  in  the  .shape  of  appeal  to  his  inflexible  father. 

''Mrs.  Ilalloway,  my  dear  Mrs.  Ilalloway,  compose  yourself,"  .said  Captain 
HIe.ssington,  now  ajiproaching,  and  endeavoring  to  raise  her  gently  from  the 
floor,  on  which  she  still  knelt,  while  her  hands  even  more  firmly  gra.sped  tliat 
of  Do  Ilaldimar.  "  You  are  ill,  ver}^  ill,  and  tlie  consequence  of  this  dreadful 
excitemei  '.  m.ay  be  fat.'d.  Be  advi.sed  by  me,  and  retire.  I  have  desired  my 
room  to  be  prepared  for  you,  and  Sergeant  Wilmot's  wife  shall  remain  with 
you  as  long  a.s  you  may  require  it. 

"  No,  no,  no  I"  she  again  exclaimed  with  energy,  "  what  care  T  for  my  own 
wretched  life — my  beloved  and  unhappy  husband  is  to  die.  Oh  God  !  to  die 
without  guilt — to  be  cut  off  in  his  youth — to  be  .shot  as  a  traitor — and  that 
simply  for  obeying  the  wishes  of  the  officer  whom  he  loved  ! — the  son  of  the 
Mian  who  now  spurns  all  supplication  from  hi.s  presence.  It  is  inhuman,  it  i.s 
iiujust — and  Heaven  will  punish  the  hard-hearted  man  who  murders  him — 
yes,  murders  him  !  for  .such  a  pimishment  for  such  an  offence  is  nothing  less 
than  murder."  Again  she  wept  bitterly,  and  as  Captain  Blessington  .«stiil  es- 
sayed to  soothe  and  laise  her : — "  No,  no !  I  will  not  leave  this  spot,"  she  con- 
tinued ;  "  I  will  not  quit  the  side  of  Mr.  De  Ilaldimar,  until  he  pledges  him- 
self  to  intercede  for  my  poor  husband.  It  is  his  duty  to  save  the  life  of  him 
who  saved  his  brother  s  life ;  and  Ood  and  human  justice  are  with  my  appeal. 
Oh,  tell  me,  then,  Mr.  de  Ilaldimar,— if  you  would  save  my  wretched  heart 


mer 


y  in  tlu'ir 
IS  re^aiil 

11(1  of  our 
r  my  iin- 
litn.  Yoji 
rt-broken 
r  cniT^ry, 
'ss  hands. 

doar  but 
d  lio  onco 
oin  nlont* 
nights  of 
ncath  tho 
ncc !'  ■*M 
fiss  {)'  m 

heart  of 
•  save  ilie 
edgnu  nt. 
ion  coiild 
irt  would 

iin<^  head 
fully  vio 
tt-Tuiina- 
nfllected  ; 
no^t'acy 

Captain 
from  the 
iped  that 
dreadful 
sired  mv 
ain  with 


WACousTA.  OR,  TiiR  mornrrT.  ^0 

from  l/reaWng,— tell  nic  yoti  will  mteroe<le  for,  and  obtain  tho  pardon  of  my 
busbnnd !" 

As  she  concluded  this  last  sentence  in  passionate  ajtpeal,  she  had  risen  from 
her  knees;  and,  conscious  (uily  of  the  importance  of  the  boon  solicited,  now 
threw  herself  upon  the  l»reast  of  the  hij^^lily  paim'd  and  Militated  young  ofticer. 
Iler  long  and  beatitifid  hair  fell  floating  over  bis  fa«e,  and  mingled  with  his 
own.  while  her  arms  were  wildly  clasped  around  him.  in  all  tlie  energy  of 
frantic  and  hopeless  adjuration. 

*'  Almighty  God  !"  exclaimed  the  agitated  yotuig  man.  av-i  he  made  a  feeble 
^nd  fi'uitless  effort  to  raise  the  form  of  tho  unhappy  woman;  "what  shall  I 
say  to  injpart  a  comt»rt  to  this  suflering  being?  Oh.  Mis.  Halloway,"  bu 
pui'sued,  •' I  would  willing!  ■  givt-  nil  I  possess  in  this  wotld  to  be  the  meiiu.s 
of  saving  your  unfortunate  husband, — and  as  mucli  for  his  own  sake  as  fur 
yours  would  I  do  this;  but,  alas!  1  hav«?  not  the  jiowcr.  Do  not  think  I 
<peak  without  conviction.  My  father  has  just  Iktu  with  me,  and  I  have 
plea<led  the  cause  of  your  husband  with  an  earnest  ncss  I  .slmuld  scarcely  have 
useil  had  my  own  life  been  at  stake.  IJut  all  my  cnlrcalies  have  been  in  vain 
lie  is  obstinate  in  the  belief  my  brother's  strange  absence,  and  Donellan'H 
(ienth.  are  attributable  onlv  to  the  tnason  of  Ilalloway.  Still  there  is  a  hope. 
A  detachment  is  to  leave  t)ie  fort  within  the  lioiu'.  and  llaljuway  is  to  a(;.om- 
panv  them.  It  may  be.  my  father  intends  this  measuie  only  with  a  view  to 
terrify  him  to  a  confession  of  guilt ;  and  that  be  deems  it  politic  to  make  him 
undfTgo  all  the  fearful  |;reliwiina*'eH  without  canning  the  sentence  i>«elf  !:»<«: 

The  unfortunate  woman  sa.J  no  more.  When  she  raised  her  heavmg  cheM 
from  that  of  the  young  officer,  her  eyes,  though  red  and  shrunk  to  half  their 
Qsual  size  with  weeping,  weie  tearless;  but  on  her  counteniii.ce  there  wjis  an 
CApressiou  of  wilJl  woe,  intinitely  more  distressing  to  beltold,  in  co'.ise(pienec 
of  the  almost  uiuialural  eheck  so  suddenly  imposed  upon  her  feelings.  She 
tottered,  rather  than  walked,  thrcugh  the  group  of  ollicers,  who  gave  way  on 
either  hand  to  let  hei-  pass;  an<l  rejecting  all  assistance  from  the  women  wiio 
had  followed  inlo  the  room,  and  who  now,  in  obedience  to  anulher  signal  from 
Captain  IJIessington,  hasteueil  to  lier  support,  tinally  gained  the  door  and 
quitted  the  apartment. 


3 


my  own 
1 !  to  dio 
and  that 
n  of  the 
lan,  it  is 
s  him — 
ling  less 

still  es- 
she  con- 
ges him. 
!  of  him 

appeal. 
)d  heart 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  sun  was  high  in  the  meridian,  as  the  second  detachment,  commanded 
by  Colonel  de  Ilaldimnr  ui  person,  issued  from  the  fort  of  Detroit.  It  was 
that  soft  anil  hazy  .season,  pe(;uliar  to  the  bland  and  beautiful  autmnn  of  Ca- 
nada, when  the  golden  light  of  heaven  seems  as  if  transmitted  through  a  veil 
of  tissue,  and  all  of  animate  and  inanimate  nature,  expanding  and  fructify- 
ing beneath  its  fostering  intlueuce,  bieathes  the  most  delicious  languor  and 
▼oluptuous  repose.  It  was  one  of  those  still,  calm,  warm,  and  genial  days, 
which  in  those  regions  come  under  the  vulgar  designation  of  the  Indiar^  sum- 
mer ;  a  season  that  is  ever  hailed  by  the  Canadian  with  a  satisfaction  prop-ir- 
tioned  to  the  extreme  sultriness  of  thw  summer,  and  the  equally  oppre^i^ye 


Si 


4 

tit 


ill 


♦u 


WACOTST.V  Oil.  TMK  rUOI'HEcY. 


I 


M 


1 


i 


'."■t 


'I 


Wi 


rigor  or  tlie  winter,  by  uhirli  it  is  iiuiMnliaMy  pitclmIciI  aii«l  followod. 

Such  a  flay  ;i^<  r.liat.  we  Iimvc  jint  dfsicrilM'il   \\as  the S(  iitctnhcr.  1703, 

wlif'ii  the  dlitt  iioiiioii  (»r  the  Kii-h-li -:irri.M>n  ol  Introit  issued  forth  from 
the  forlilicutioiis  in  which  tlicy  liad  s<»  long  been  cooped  np.  and  in  the  pre- 
Muncd  '.'xcculion  of  a  duty  undiniahly  tin-  most  tr\  iiiu' and  painful  that  ever 
(cm  lo  the  liiL  oi'  soldier  III  piil.irni.  'Il.c  ii(.la<  lnnent  .vended  its  slow  and 
Holenin  coinse,  with  a  inomiifid  pa,!i:eantry  of  preparation  that  j:uve  fearl'nl 
Mirnot  of  the  tra;j,edy  exjKctcd  to  lie  enacted. 

In  front,  and  dra-iied  hy  the  hands  <»f  the  ^luin'-rs,  moved  two  of  the  thp-*,' 
In-ee-pounders,  ih.it  had  heen  ordered  for  tiie  duty.  Hehuid  these  canu'Uaj*- 
.ain  15  i's>in;:ton's  ct)nip;iny.  and  in  their  rear,  the  prisoner  Ilallow.ay,  divested 
of  his  uniform,  and  clad  in  a  white  eotlon  jac  l\et,  and  u  cap  of  the  same  ma- 
terial. Si.x  raidi  and  lile  of  the  grenadiers  followed,  under  the  command  of  a 
corporal,  and  behind  these  a,i:ain.  came  eiuiit  men  of  the  ,'-anie  company  ;  four 
of  whom  bore  <mi  their  siiouldeis  a  coilin.  covered  with  a  coarse  black  p-i'l 
that  had  perhaps  already  assisted  at  lifiy  interments;  while  the  other  lour 
carried,  in  addition  to  their  own.  the  mu^kets  of  their  hurdened  comrades. 
After  these,  marched  a  s<»l:laiy  drumnur-l»oy  ;  whose  tall  beai->!\i;i  cap  at- 
tested him  to  be  of  the  -iienadiers  also,  while  the  miillled  instruiuent  marked 
the  duty  for  whicli  he  had  been  selected.  Like  Ins  comrades,  none  of  wdiuiu 
exhibited  their  scariet  nnifoiins,  he  wore  tlie  collar  of  his  frrent  coat  closely 
tntttoned  beneath  his  chin,  which  was  only  partially  visible  above  the  stilf 
leathein  stock  that  encii'ele<l  his  neck.  Althou-jh  his  R'atnres  were  half  l»u- 
ried  in  his  hii.ue  cap  and  the  hiiih  collar  of  his  «'oat,  there  was  an  air  of  deli- 
cacy ahout  his  per.sou  that  sei  meil  to  reniler  him  nnsiiited  to  such  an  oHico  ; 
and  mme  th:ui  once  was  Captain  Erskme.  who  followed  itnmediattly  liehind 
him  at  thy  head  of  his  compaii\ .  compelled  to  call  shnrply  to  the  urchin 
tlircatcnn:.;;  him  with  a  week's  driil  iii\less  he  mende<l  his  I'eeble  and  nnecjnaj 
paco  and  kept  from  tmder  the  feet  of  his  men.  'I'he  remaining  gun  brouj^hl 
up  the  rear  of  the  detachment,  who  marched  with  fixed  bayonets  and  two 
halls  in  eaeh  musket;  the  whole  presenting  a  Iront  of  sections,  that  completely 
rdh'<l  up  the  road  along  whii  h  they  i)assed.  Colonel  ile  llaidimar,  Captain 
VVt'nt worth,  and  th"  AtlinlRiit  Lawson  followed  in  the  extienuj  war. 

An  rrent  so  singular  as  that  of  the  appeinance  of  the  English  without  then 
fort,  licsct  as  thoy  were  by  a  host  of  lierce  and  dangerous  enemies,  was  nol 
likely  to  pass  nimoticed  l)y  a  siu'^le  individual  in  the  little  village  of  Detroit. 
We  have  already  observed,  that  most  of  the  colonist  settlers  liad  been  cruelly 
massacred  at  the  very  onset  of  hostilities.  Not  so.  however,  with  the  Cana- 
riian.s.  who,  froin  their  anterior  relations  with  (lie  natives,  aixl  (he  nnitual  and 
tacit  good  understanding  that  subsisted  between  both  parties,  weie  snlfercd 
to  continue  in  ijniet  and  unmolested  possession  of  their  homes,  wficre  they  pre- 
served  an  avowed  neutrality,  never  otherwise  infringed  than  by  the  assistanca 
Becielly  and  occasionally  rendered  to  the  English  troops,  whose  gold  they 
were  glad  (o  receive  in  excliange  for  the  ncces.^aries  of  life. 

Every  dwelling  of  the  infant  town  had  commenced  giving  up  its  tenants, 
from  the  moment  when  the  head  of  the  detachment  was  .seen  traversing  the 
drawbridge ;  .so  that,  by  the  time  it  reached  the  highway,  and  took  its  direc- 
tion to  the  left,  the  whole  population  of  Detroit  were  already  assembled  in 
groups,  and  giving  expression  to  the  their  several  coqjcctures,  with  a  vivacity 


AVAtOlhTA,  UK,    I  111;  I'UurUECY. 


cn 


of  lnnjriia,<:('  iwul  ('luic y  of  {;cHticnIation  that  would  not  have  dfspTJiccd  the 
parnit  lim  !  itself.  As  the  tro()j)s  drew  nearer,  however,  tlioy  all  sank  at  oiuw 
into  a  silciico.  as  niuch  the  res*.  ^  of  certain  unncknowledgcd  and  undeiined 
fenrs.  as  of  the  respect  the  Eiijriisii  'id  ever  been  accustomed  to  exact. 

At  the  further  extremity  of  tlio  town,  and  at  a  herd  in  the  road,  wliich 
hranched  off  more  iiiimeiliately  towards  the  river,  stood  a  public  house,  whose 
rreakitvjr  sijrn  bore  three  ill  executed  lieur-de-lis,  apologetic  emblems  of  tlio 
arms  of  France.  Tlie  buildin<r  itself  was  little  more  than  a  rude  lop  hut, 
aloT)<r  the  front  of  which  ran  a  plank,  supported  by  two  stumps  of  trees,  and 
wrvint;  as  a  tetupornry  uccommodation  both  for  the  traveller  and  the  innate. 
On  this  leuch  three  persons,  apparently  attracted  by  the  beauty  of  the  day 
and  the  mildness  of  the  antumnal  sun,  were  now  seated,  two  of  whom  were 
leisurely  pufHng  their  piiwjs,  while  the  third,  a  female,  was  cmploved  in  card- 
iuir  wool,  a  quantity  of  which  lay  in  a  basket  at  her  feet,  while  she  warbled, 
in  a  low  tone,  one  of  the  simple  airs  of  her  native  land.  The  elder  of  the  two 
men,  whose  age  might  be  about  tifty,  offered  nothing  remarkable  in  his  ai>- 
pearancc  ;  ho  was  dressed  in  a  coat  made  o*"  the  common  white  blanket,  wiiile 
liis  hair,  cut  s(j[uare  upon  the  forehead,  and  tied  into  a  club  of  nearly  a  foot 
long,  fell  into  the  cape  or  hood  attached  to  it. 

His  companion  was  habited  in  still  a  more  extraordinary  manner.  Ilis  lower 
Inubs  were  cased,  up  to  the  mid-thigh,  in  leathern  leggings,  the  seam  of  which 
was  on  the  outside,  leaving  a  margin,  or  border,  of  about  an  inch  wide,  which 
hud  been  slit  into  innumerable  small  fringes,  giving  them  an  air  of  elegance 
and  lightness:  a  garter  of  leather,  curiously  wrought,  with  the  stained  (piills 
uf  the  poicupiue,  encircled  each  ieg,  immediately  under  the  knee,  where  it 
was  tied  in  a  bow,  and  then  sutiored  to  hang  pendant  half  way  down  the 
limb;  to  the  fringes  of  the  legging.',  moreover,  were  attached  numerously 
dark-colored  horny  substances,  cmittintT,  as  they  rattled  against  each  other,  at 
the  slightest  movement  of  the  wearer,  a  tinkling  sound,  resembling  that  pro- 
duced by  a  number  of  small  thin  delicate  brass  bells ;  these  were  the  tendei 
hoofs  of  the  wild  deer,  dri«d,  scraped,  and  otherwise  prepared  for  this  orna- 
mental purpose. 

The  form  and  face  of  this  individual  were  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  style 
of  his  tostume,  and  the  character  of  his  equipment.  His  stature  was  beyond 
that  of  the  ordinary  race  of  men,  and  his  athletic  and  muscular  limbs  united 
the  extremes  of  stiength  and  activity.  His  features,  marked  and  prominent, 
wore  a  cast  of  habitual  thought,  strangely  tinctured  with  ferocity ;  and  the 
expression  of  his  otherwise  not  imhandsome  countenance  was  repellant  and 
disdainful.  At  the  lirst  glance  he  might  have  been  taken  for  one  of  the  swar- 
thy natives  of  the  soil  ;  but  though  time  and  constant  exposure  to  scoic\nng 
suns  had  given  to  his  complexion  a  dusky  hue,  still  there  was  w^anting  the 
quick,  black,  penelijiting  eye'  the  high  cheek  bono;  the  straigh*.,  coii'se, 
jihJiing  bla  :k  hair ;  the  small  bony  hand  and  foot ;  and  the  placidly  pvoud 
and  serious  air,  by  which  the  former  is  distinguislied.  His  own  eye  was  of  s 
deep  bluish  grey ;  his  liair  short,  dark  and  wavy ;  his  hands  large  and  nm.scu- 
lar ;  and  so  far  from  exhibiting  any  of  the  self-command  of  the  Indian,  the 
constant  play  of  his  features  betrayed  each  passing  thought  with  the  same 
rapidity  with  which  it  was  conceived.  But  if  any  doubt  could  have  existed 
in  the  mind  of  him  who  beheld  this  strangely  accoutred  figure,  it  would  have 
been  instantly  dispelled  by  a  glance  at  his  limbs.    From  his  legginjcs  to  the 


:ll 


h 


IM 


1 


vlU 


6G 


WACOrSTA,  OE,  THE  PEOPnECT. 


i  'i 


ii  -  i 


:     t 

iiil 


hip,  that  portion  of  the  lower  limh  was  completely  baie,  ami  disclosed,  at 
each  movement  of  the  garment  tiiat  was  sutfored  to  fall  iDosely  o/er  it,  not 
the  swarthy  and  copper-colored  ilesh  of  the  Indian,  bnt  tlie  pale  though  sun- 
burnt skin  of  one  of  a  more  temperate  clime.  Hi:-,  ..^0  might  be  about  forty- 
five. 

At  the  moment  when  the  English  detachment  approached  the  bend  in  the 
road,  these  two  individuals  were  conversiiig  earnestly  together,  pausing  only 
to  puff  at  intervals  thick  and  wreathing  volumes  of  smoke  from  their  pipes, 
>v!iich  were  filled  with  a  mixture  of  tobacco  and  odoriferous  hei-bs.  Pres- 
ently, however,  sounds  that  appeared  familiar  to  his  ear  arrested  the  attention 
of  the  wildly  accoutred  being  we  have  last  described.  It  was  the  heavy  roll 
of  the  artillery  carriages  already  advancing  along  the  road,  and  somewhat  in 
the  rear  of  the  hut.  To  dash  his  pipe  to  the  ground,  seize  and  cock  and  raise 
his  rillo  to  his  shoulder,  was  but  the  work  of  a  moment.  Startled  b}'  the 
suddenness  of  the  action,  his  male  companion  moved  a  few  paces  also  from 
his  seat  to  discover  the  cause  of  this  singular  movement.  The  female,  on  the 
contrary'',  stirred  not,  but  ceasing  for  a  moment  the  occupation  in  which  she 
had  been  engaged,  fixed  her  daik  and  brilliant  eyes  upon  the  tall  form  of  the 
riileman,  whose  athletic  limbs,  thrown  into  powerful  relief  by  the  distention 
of  each  nerve  and  muscle,  appeared  to  engross  her  whole  admiiation  and  in- 
terest, without  au}-^  reference  to  the  cause  that  had  produced  this  ai>rupt  and 
liost  lie  change  in  his  movements.  It  was  evident  that,  unlike  the  other  in- 
liabitants  of  the  town,  this  groTip  had  been  taken  by  surprise,  and  were 
uttei'ly  unprepared  to  expect  anything  in  the  shape  of  interruption. 

For  upwards  of  a  minute,  during  which  the  march  of  the  men  became  au- 
dible even  to  the  ears  of  the  female,  the  formidable  warrior,  for  such  his  garb 
denoted  him  to  be,  continued  motionless  in  the  attitude  he  had  at  first  assum- 
ed. No  sooner,  however,  had  the  head  of  the  advancing  column  come  within 
sight,  than  the  aim  was  taken,  tlie  trigger  pulled,  and  the  small  and  ragged 
bullet  sped  hissing  from  the  grooved  and  delicate  barrel.  A  triumphant  cry 
was  next  pealed  from  the  lii)S  of  the  warrior, — a  cry  produced  by  the  quickly 
repeated  application  and  removal  of  one  hand  to  and  from  the  mouth,  while 
the  other  suffered  the  butt-end  of  the  now  harmless  weapon  to  fall  loosely 
upon  the  earth.  He  then  slowly  and  deliberately  withdrew  within  the  cover 
of  the  hut. 

Tins  daring  ^ction,  which  had  been  ^.-iowed  by  the  leading  troops  with  as- 
tonishment not  unmingled  with  alarm,  occasioned  a  temporary  confusion  in 
tlie  i-anks,  for  all  believed  they  had  fallen  into  an  ambuscade  of  the  Indians. 
A  h;dt  was  instantly  commanded  by  Captain  Blessington,  in  order  to  give 
titue  to  the  governor  tO  come  up  from  the  rear,  while  he  proceeded  with  one 
of  the  leading  sections  to  reconnoitre  the  front  of  the  hut.  To  his  surprise, 
however,  he  found  neither  enemy,  nor  evidence  that  an  enemy  had  been  there. 
The  only  individuals  visible  were  the  Canadian,  and  the  dark-eyed  female. 
Eoth  were  seated  on  the  bench  ;— the  one  smoking  his  pipe  with  a  well  assum- 
ed appearance  of  unconoorn— the  other  carding  her  wool,  but  with  a  hand 
that  by  a  close  observer  might  be  seen  to  trenible  in  its  office,  and  a  cheek 
that  was  paler  than  at  the  moment  when  we  first  placed  her  before  the  imag- 
ination of  the  reader.  Both,  however,  started  with  unaffected  surprise  on 
ueeing  Captaiii Blessington  and  his  little  force  turn  the  corner  of  .b^  house 


point. 


WACOUSTA,  OK,  THE  PKOrilECY. 


r>' 


sclosed,  at 
,er  it,  not 
ou2;}i  sun- 
out  fortj- 

nd  in  the 
sing  only 
loir  pipes, 
)s.  Pros- 
attention 
K'.'ivy  roll 
lewhat  in 
and  raise 
,m1  by  the 
also  from 
le,  on  the 
vhich  she 
tin  of  the 
distention 
1  and  in- 
>riipt  and 
other  in- 
and  were 

jcanic  an- 
his  garb 
st  assum- 
ne  within 
d  ragged 
>hant  cry 
e  quickly 
ith,  while 
1  loosely 
the  cover 

1  with  as- 
fusion  in 

Indians. 
r  to  give 
with  one 

surprise, 
)en  there. 

I  female. 

II  assum-  ■ 
a  hand 
a  cheek 

he  imag- 
•prise  on 
h-^  house 


from  t  le  mam  road  ;  and  oortam  looks  of  iccognition  pas.sed  between  all  p^:- 
tics,  that  proved  them  to  be  no  strangers  to  each  other. 

'•  Ah,  inonsieur."  said  tlio  Canadian,  in  a  niingiod  dialect,  neither  Fr.^ncfc 
nor  Englisli.  while  Ik;  utteuipted  an  case  and  freedom  of  xnannor  that  was  loo 
mis'jrably  alfected  to  pass  cunvnt  with  the  mild  but  observant  olficer  whom 
ne  addressed,  "how  nuich  surjn'isc  I  nm.  and  glad  to  .see  you.  It  is  a  long 
times  sin(;e  you  cajiie  out  of  do  fort.  1  hope  do  govoi-neur  and  de  ofTictn-  be 
all  very  well.  I  was  linking  to  go  to-day  to  see  if  you  want  any  ting.  I 
'lavc  got  some  nice  rum  of  the  Jamai(jue  for  Oapitaine  Erskine.  Will  you 
plcn.se  to  try  some '?"  ^Vllile  sjicaking.  the  voluble  host  of  tlie  Flciu"  dc  Lis 
ha<l  risen  from  his  s'.  at.  laid  aside  bis  pipe,  and  now  stood  with  his  hands 
thrust  into  the  pockets  of  liis  blanket  coat. 

"It  is  indeed  a  long  time  since  we  have  been  here.  Master  FniUfois,"  .some- 
what sarcastically  and  drily  rci)lied  Captain  lilessington  ;  "  and  you  have  not 
visited  us  (piite  so  often  latterly  yourself  though  well  aware  we  were  in  want 
of  fresh  jirovisions.  1  give  you  all  due  ci'cdit,  however,  for  your  intention  of 
coming  to-day,  but  you  .see  we  liave  anticipated  you.  Still  this  is  not  the 
point.  Wl'cre  is  the  Indian  who  fired  at  us  just  now  ?  and  how  is  it  we  lind 
you  leagued  with  our  enemies?" 

"  What,  .sir,  is  it  yoii  say  '?"  asked  the  Canadian,  ln^ldiui  up  bis  bands  with 
feigned  astoni.sbnient.  "  .Me  league  myself  with  the  savage.  I'pDu  inv  honor 
I  did  not  .sec  nobody  lire,  or  1  should  tell  you.  1  love  tiie  Kngiiidi  too  well 
to  do  dem  harms." 

''Come,  come,  Fianjois.  no  nonsense.  If  T  cannot  make  you  confess,  there 
is  one  not  for  from  me  who  will.  You  know  Colonel  de  llaldimur  too  well 
to  imagine  he  will  be  trilled  with  in  this  manner:  if  he  detects  you  in  a  false- 
hood, lie  will  cei'tainly  cause  you  to  be  hanged  up  at  the  first  tree;  Take  n»y 
advice,  therefore,  and  say  where  you  have  scci'ete((  this  Indian  ;  and  recollect. 
if  we  fall  into  an  ambuscade,  your  life  will  be  forfeited  at  the  first  shot  we 
hear  lii-ed." 

At  this  moment  the  governor,  followed  by  his  adjutant,  came  rapidly  up  to 
the  s]K)t.  Captain  lilessington  comumnicated  the  ill  success  of  his  rpieries, 
when  the  former  cast  on  the  terrilie<l  Canadian  one  of  tho.se  severe  and  search- 
ing looks  which  he  .so  well  knew  how  to  assume. 

"  ^V^lere  is  the  rascal  who  filed  at  us,  siirah  ?  tell  me  instantlj-.  or  yovi 
have  not  five  minutes  to  live," 

j'"he  heart  of  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis  quailed  within  him  at  this  for- 
midable threat;  and  the  usually  ruddy  hue  of  his  countenance  had  now  given 
place  to  an  a.shy  paleness.  Still  as  he  positively  denied  all  knowledge  of  the 
matter  on  which  he  was  questioned,  he  appeared  to  feel  his  safety  lay  in  ad- 
hering to  his  original  statement.  Again,  tliereforc.  he  assured  the  governor, 
on  his  honor  (laying  his  hand  upon  his  heart  a!4  he  spoke.)  that  what  lie  had 
ah'eady  stated  was  the  fact. 

•'  Your  honor — you  jiitiful  trading  scoundrel — how  dare  30U  talk  to  me  of 
your  honor  ?  Come,  sir,  confess  at  once  where  you  have  set  reted  tliis  fellow 
or  pn'|)are  to  die." 

'•  If  I  may  be  so  bold,  your  honor."  said  one  of  Cnpt.ain  Blessington's  men, 
"the  Fienchman  lies.  When  the  Ingian  fired  among  us,  this  fellow  was 
peeping  under  his  shouldei-  and  watchinj^  us  al-so.     If  1  had  not  seen  liim  too 


Hi 


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68 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  riiOPIIECY. 


Often  at  the  fort  to  be  mistaken  m  his  person,  I  should  have  known  him,  at 
all  everts,  hy  his  blanket  coat  and  red  handkerchii !'." 

Thin  blunt  statement  of  the  solilier,  confirniod  as  it  \ras  the  instant  after- 
wards by  one  of  his  comrades,  was  damning  proof  ajjaiust  the  Canadian, 
even  if  the  fact  of  the  rille  beinj?  discharged  from  the  front  of  the  hut  had 
not  already  .satisfied  all  parties  of  the  falsehood  o'  /lis  assertion. 

''Come'fjrwnrd.  a  couple  of  files,  and  .seize  this  villain,"  resumed  the  gov- 
ernor with  his  \v(»nted  .sternTiess  of  ?nanner.  "  Mr.  I.avvsi  n.  see  if  his  hul 
Joes  not  afford  a  rope  strong  enough  to  hang  the  traitor  to  one  of  his  own 
apple  trees." 

Both  parties  pi-ocee  led  at  the  same  moment  to  execute  the  two  distinct  or- 
ders of  their  chief,  "i  he  Canadian  was  now  firmly  secured  in  the  grasp  of 
the  two  men  who  had  given  evidence  against  him,  when,  .seeing  all  the  horror 
of  the  dreadful  f:i.te  that  awaited  him,  he  confessed  the  individual  who  had 
fired  had  been  sitcing  with  him  the  instant  previously,  but  that  he  knew  no 
ii.urvjof  him  than  of  any  other  savage  occasionally  calling  at  the  Fleur  de  Lis. 
He  ad<led,  that  on  discharging  the  rifle  he  had  bounded  across  the  palings  of 
the  orchard,  and  iled  in  the  direction  of  the  fo'&st.  He  denied  all  knowledge 
or  belief  of  an  enemy  waiting  in  ambush ;  stating,  moreover,  even  the  in(S- 
vidual  in  (piestion  had  not  been  aware  of  the  sortie  of  the  detachment  unti. 
apprised  of  their  near  approach  by  the  heavy  soinni  of  the  gun  carriages. 

''  Here  are  undeniable  proofs  of  the  man's  villany,  sir,"  said  the  adjutant, 
retni-ning  from  the  hut  and  exhibiting  objects  of  new  and  fearful  interest  to 
the  govenioi-.  ''/rhis  hat  and  rope  I  found  secreted  in  one  of  the  bed-rooms 
of  the  auberge.  The  first  is  evidently  Donellan's ;  and  from  the  hook  at- 
tached to  the  latter,  I  apprehend  it  to  be  the  same  stated  to  have  been  useti 
by  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  in  crossing  the  ditch." 

The  governor  took  the  hat  and  rope  from  the  hands  of  his  subordinate,  ex- 
amined them  attentively,  and  after  a  few  moments  of  deep  musing,  during 
which  his  countenance  underwent  .several  rapid  though  .scarcely  perceptible 
changes,  turned  suddenly  and  eagerly  to  the  .soldier  who  had  first  convicted 
the  Canadian  in  his  falsehood,  and  demanded  if  he  had  seen  enough  of  tlin 
man  who  had  fired  to  be  able  so  give  even  a  general  description  of  his  person. 

"  Why  yes,  30ur  honor,  I  think  I  can  ;  for  the  fellow  stood  long  enough 
after  fii'ing  his  piece,  for  a  painter  to  have  taken  him  off  from  head  to  foot. 
He  was  a  taller  and  larger  man  by  far  than  our  biggest  grenadier,  and  that  is 
poor  Harry  Donellan,  as  your  honor  knows.  But  as  for  his  dress,  though  I 
could  see  it  all,  I  .scarcely  can  tell  how  to  describe  it.  All  I  know  is,  he  was 
covered  with  smoked  deer  skin,  in  some  such  fashion  as  the  great  chief  Pon- 
teac.  only,  instead  of  having  his  head  ba.>'e  and  .shaved,  he  wore  a  .strange  ottt- 
landish  sort  of  a  hat,  covered  over  with  wild  birds'  feathers  in  front." 

"  Enough,"  interrupted  the  governor,  motioning  the  man  to  silence ;  then, 
in  an  under  tone  to  himself, — "  by  heaven,  the  very  r-ame."  A  shjide  of  dis- 
api)ointment  and  snpjjrcs.sed  alarm  passed  rapidly  across  his  brow ;  it  was 
but  momentary.  "  Captain  Blcssington,"  he  ordered  quickly  and  impatiently, 
"  search  the  hut  and  grounds  for  this  lurking  Indian,  who  i.s,  no  doubt,  se- 
creted in  the  neighb()rho<Kl.  Quick,  quick,  sir;  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost." 
Then  in  an  intimidating  tone  to  the  Canadian,  who  had  already  dropped  on 
his  knees,  supplicating  meicy,  and  vocifei'ating  his  innocence  in  the  same 
breath, — '"  So,  you  infernal  scouudrol,  this  is  the  manner  ia  which  you  have 


WACOrPTA,  on,  THE  PROPlll^Ci*. 


00 


repaid  our  confidence.  Where  is  my  son.  sir?  Or  have  yon  already  miir- 
tiered  him.  as  you  did  his  .servant?  Tell  me,  you  villain,  what  have  you  to 
say  to  these  proofs  of  your  treacliery  ?  But  stay,  1  shall  take  another  and 
Htter  opportunity  to  question  you.  Mr.  Law.son,  sectire  this  traitor  properly, 
and  let  him  be  conveyed  to  the  centre  of  the  detachment." 

This  mandate  was  promptly  oheved  ;  and  in  despite  of  his  o'.vn  -Jncoasin;; 
pravers  and  protestations  of  inni»cence.  and  the  tears  and  entreaties  of  hi'i 
(lark- eye<l  daughter  IJahctte,  who  had  thrown  hej>!elf  on  her  knees  at  his 
sid«;.  the  stout  arms  of  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis  were  s()t)n  firmly  se- 
cured behind  his  back  with  the  strong;  rope  that  had  been  found  under  such 
suspicious  circumstances  in  his  possessicm.  IJefore  he  was  ujarched  oIT.  how 
ever  two  of  the  men  who  l»ad  bei'u  .sent  in  pursuit,  returned  from  the  orchard 
statinj;  that  Hirther  .search  was  now  frintle.ss.  'I'hey  had  i)enetvated  throujjJi 
R  small  thicket  at  the  "extremity  of  tlie  ^•round.s.  ind  had  distinctly  seen  a  man 
an^v^erinp;  the  le.scription  j2;iven  by  theii  conu-a<l 's,  in  full  Highi  towanls  tlic 
roit>4t  skirtin?  the  hei<rhts  in  fiout. 

'i'he  {Tovernor  was  evidently  far  from  y)cinjj;  satisfied  with  tlic  result  (f  p 
search  too  late  instituted  to  leave  even  a  pi'ospect  of  success.  "  Wlierc  an 
the  Indians  princij)  illy  encamped,  sirrah  ?"  he  sternly  demanded  of  iiiw  cap 
live;  ''answer  me  tnily,  or  I  will  cany  olf  th's  wench  as  well,  and  if  a  sinjili 
hair  of  a  man  of  n)ine  be  even  sinjicd  b}'  a  .shot  from  a  sktilking  enemy,  yoi 
may  exp«)rt  tu  see  her  i)ayoneted  before  your  ey(>s." 

"  Ah.  my  (»od  !   Monsieur  le  fJouvenieur."  exclaimed  the  affriglited  aubor 
pste,  ■'  as  I  am  an  lionest  man,  I   shall   tell   de  truth,  but  spare  my  child. 
They  are  all  in  de  forest,  and  h;df  a  mile  from  de  little  river  dat  runs  l)t«tween 
dis  and  the  P(u-k  Island." 

"  Il(jg  Island,  I  suppose  you  mean." 

"  Y(!s  sir,  de  Ilog  Island  is  de  one  I  means." 

"  Conduct  him  to  the  centre,  and  let  hini  l»e  confronted  with  tlie  prisoner." 
directed  tlie  govenor,  addressing  his  adjutant;  ''Captain  IJlessington,  your 
men  may  resume  tlieir  stations  in  the  lanks.  The  order  was  oiieyed ;  anii 
notwithstanding  tlie  tears  and  supplications  of  the  now  highly  excited  IJabette. 
who  flung  lier.self  upon  his  neck,  and  was  only  jemoved  by  force,  tlie  terrified 
(>anadiau  was  borne  off  from  his  premises  by  the  troops. 


OHAPTER  TX. 

While  this  scene  was  .ir.  «^  in  front  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis,  one  of  a  far 
more  touching  and  painful  nature  was  passing  in  the  very  heart  of  the  detach  ■ 
ment  itself.  At  the  moment  wlien  the  halt  was  ordered  by  Captain  Blessing 
tun,  a  rumor  ran  through  the  ranks  tliat  they  had  reached  the  s{)ot  destineii 
(or  the  exctution  of  their  ill-fated  comrade.  Tho.se  only  in  the  immediate 
''rent  were  aware  of  the  true  cause ;  but  altliough  the  rejwrt  of  the  rifle  had 
be'ii  distinctly  heard  by  all,  it  had  been  attributed  by  those  in  the  rear  to  the 
uccidental  discharge  of  one  of  their  own  muskets.  A  low  murmur,  expressive 
of  the  opinion  generally  entertained,  passed  gradually  from  rear  to  front,  until 


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WACOUSTA,  OPv,  THE  PP.OPnF.rY. 


it  ut  length  roacTio«l  the  cars  of  the  (k'hVate  dniininer  boy  wlio  marchofl  he- 
IiMkI  the  coflin.  His  face  was  still  buried  in  the  coHar  of  his  coat ;  ami  what 
was  left  un('<)vcrc(l  of  his  features  by  the  cap,  was  in  some  de.s2,Tee  hidden  hy 
tl:c  forward  droopiiij:^  of  liis  head  iijion  his  chest,  Ilillu'ilo  lie  had  moved  al- 
most meeli'inically  alon'z.  tottei'iii'^  and  (Mid>ai'rassin;j:  himself  at  every  step 
under  the  '"undirous  (h'uiii  thai  was  su.^jKiided  fioni  a  helt  arouml  his  neek 
over  tlic  left  *'  i  ;h  ;  but  now  theie  was  a  certain  indesci'ibable  drawing'  up  of 
the  frame,  and  i^ension  of  the  whole  jierson,  <lenotin.L!:  a  eoiieentration  of  all  the 
nutral  and  physical  enei'iiies  — a  sudden  working-  up,  as  it  were,  of  the  inlel- 
ie<"tnal  and  corporeal  l)eing  to  some  determined  and  niduientous  purpose. 

At  the  first  halt  of  the  detaehment,  the  weary  suppoi-ters  of  the  c.ollin  had 
di'posited  their  rude  and  sombre  bur<len  njion  the  earth,  jn'ejiaratory  to  its 
lieiiip:  r';-jumed  by  those  aiijiointed  to  relieve  them.  'I'he  dull  sound  emitt»>d 
liy  the  hollow  fabric,  ns  it  touched  the  ijrouud,  caught  the  ear  of  him  for  whom 
it  viaiT  d.e,';tined.  and  he  tinned  to  i:aze  upon  the  sad  and  lonely  tenement  so 
siiorlh/  to  become  his  linal  resting-  place,  'I"he)-e  was  an  air  of  calm  composure 
i\ud  <]iv;nifk:d  sorrow  upon  his  brow,  that  infused  rispect  into  llie  hearts  of  all 
w!io  beiield  liim  ;  and  ev<'n  the  men  seleeti-d  to  d.)  tlic  duty  of  executioners 
sinmht  to  evade  his  jilance.  as  his  steady  eye  waud'M'ed  from  ri'.rht  to  left  of 
the  fital  rank,  (lis  attention,  however,  was  ftrincipally  <lirected  towards  the 
i-olhn.  whi.-h  lay  before  him  ;  on  this  he  ua/ed  lixedl}  for  u])ward<of  a  minute. 
lie  then  turned  !iis  eyes  in  tlie  direction  of  the  fort,  sl:uddor<;d,  heaved  a  pro- 
ibimd  sig'h,  and  lookinp;  up  to  heaven,  with  the  appai-ent  fer\or  that  became 
his  situation,  seemed  to  pray  for  a  moment  or  two  in>vardly  and  tlcvovtly. 
The  thiek  and  almost  !■:  llbcatinG;  l)n';ithinu-  of  one  immediattly  beyond  the 
rofHii,  was  now  distinctly  heard  I)}  all.  lialloway  starie(  from  his  attitude 
of  devoti>)ii,  gazed  earuesti}' on  the  form  whence  it  ])roeeeded.  and  then  wildly 
extending  his  arms,  suii'c^-ed  a  smile  of  satisfaction  to  illumine  his  pale  featui'cs 
All  eyes  were  now  turned  upon  the  drmnmer  boy.  who.  evidently  laboring 
under  convulsive  excitement  of  feeling,  suddenly  dashed  his  cap  and  instrument 
to  the  earth,  and  Hew  a,^.  fast  as  liis  tottering  and  uncertain  steps  would  admit 
acro.ss  the  cofliu,  and  into  the  arms  extended  to  re<;eive  him, 

"■iMy  Ellen!  oh.  my  own  devoted,  but  too  un!i;;ppv  Ellen !"  passionately 
exclaimed  the  soliher,  as  he  clasi)ed  the  slight  and  agitate(l  form  of  his  dis- 
','uised  wife  to  his  throbbing  heart,  "  This.  this,  indeed,  is  joy  even  in  death, 
I  thoUf^ht  I  could  have  died  more  happil}-  without  you.  but  nature  tugs  power- 
nilly  at  my  heart;  and  to  see  you  once  more,  to  feel  you  onccs  more  /icrc." 
( and  he  pressed  her  wildly  to  his  chest,)  '*  is  indeed  a  bliss  that  robs  my  ap 
proaching  fate  of  half  its  teiTor." 

"Oh  lleginald!  my  dearly  beloved  Reginald!  my  murdered  husband!" 
.ihrieked  the  unhappy  womiui ;  ''your  Ellen  will  not  survive  v<>u.  Her  lu.irt 
s  already  liroken,  though  sIk;  caimot  weep;  but  the  same  grave  shall  contain 
js  both.  Reginald^  do  you  believe  me?  I  swear  it;  the  .same  grave  shall  con- 
tain us  both." 

lOxhausted  with  the  fatigue  and  excitement  she  had  undergone,  tlie  faithfu. 
and  ailectionate  creatin-e  now  lay,  without  sense  or  motion,  in  the  arms  of  her 
wretched  husband.  Halloway  bore  her,  unopposed,  a  pace  or  two  in  advance, 
and  deposited  her  imconsciou's  form  on  the  fatal  coffin. 

No  language  of  ours  can  render  justice  to  the  trying  character  of  the  scene, 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnECY. 


71 


>  in  advance, 


All  who  witnessed  it  were  painfully  afTccted,  and  over  the  bronzed  check  cf 
many  a  veteran  coursed  a  tear,  which,  like  tl)!it  of  Sterne's  lecording  aufjel 
might  have  blotted  out  si  catalojrue  of  sins.  Although  ciich  was  prepared  to 
expect  a  reprimand  from  the  governor,  for  sullering  the  prisoner  to  quit  his 
station  in  the  ranks,  humanity  and  nnhire  pleaded  too  powerfully  in  his  he- 
half,  ami  neither  olHcer  nor  man  a' tempted  to  inteifere,  unless  with  a  view  to 
render  assistance  Captain  Erskine,  in  ])ai-ticular,  was  deeply  pained,  and 
would  have  given  anything  to  recai  the  harsh  language  ho  had  used  to\v;n(ls 
th':  suppo.sed  idle  and  inattentive  drummer  boy.  Taking  from  a  pocket  in  his 
uniform  a  small  tlask  of  brandy,  which  he  had  provided  against  castialties.  th^ 
compassionating  otficer  slightly  raised  the  head  of  the  pale  and  imconseious 
woman  with  one  hand,  while  with  the  other  he  introduced  a  few  drops  between 
her  paited  lips.  Ilalloway  knelt  at  the  opposite  side  of  (lie  coffin  ;  one  hand 
tiearohing,  but  in  vain,  the  suspemled  pulse  of  his  imininiate  wife;  the  other, 
unbuttoning  the  breast  of  the  drum-boy's  jacket,  which,  with  every  other  part 
of  the  equipment,  she  wore  beneath  the  loose  great  coat  so  elfectually  accom- 
plisliing  her  disguise. 

Such  was  the  position  of  the  chief  actors  in  this  truly  distressing  arama, 
at  the  moment  when  Colonel  de  Haldimar  came  up  with  fiis  new  prisoner.  t,o 
mark  what  etfect  would  be  produced  on  Ilalloway  by  his  '.aexpecte<l  appear- 
snce.  His  own  surprise  and  disappointment  may  be  f  asily  conceived,  when. 
m  the  form  of  the  recumbent  being  who  seemed  to  engross  universal  atten- 
tion, he  recognised,  by  the  fair  and  streaming  hair,  and  half  ex[/Osed  bosom, 
the  unfortunate  being  whom,  only  two  l\onrs  previously,  he  had  spurned  from 
his  feet  in  the  costmne  of  her  own  se.x,  and  reduced,  by  the  violence  of  her 
grief,  to  almost  infantine  debility.  Question  succeeded  question  to  those; 
around,  but  without  eliciting  any  clue  to  the  means  by  which  this  mysterious 
disguise  had  been  effected.  No  one  had  been  aware,  until  the  truth  was  so 
singularly  and  suddenly  revealed,  the  supposed  drunnner  was  any  other  than 
one  of  the  lads  attached  to  the  grenadiers;  and  a:«  for  the  other  Hicts.  they 
spoke  too  plainly  to  the  comprehension  of  the  governor  to  need  explanation. 
Once  more,  however,  the  detachment  was  called  to  order.  Ilalloway  struck 
his  hand  violently  ujion  his  brow,  ki.s.sod  the  wan  lips  of  his  .still  unconscious 
wife,  breathing,  as  he  did  so,  a  half  murmured  hope  .she  might  indeed  he  llw^ 
corpse  she  appeared.  Me  then  raisud  hunsell'  from  the  earth  witlia  light  and 
elastic  yet  firm  movement,  and  resumed  the  place  he  had  previously  occupied, 
where,  to  his  surprise,  he  beliold  a  second  victim  bound,  and,  apparently,  de- 
voted to  the  same  death.  ^\"hen  the  eyes  of  the  two  unlsappy  men  met,  the 
governor  clo.sely  watched  tl.  i  expression  of  the  countenance  of  each  ;  but 
altho  gh  the  Canadian  stiu'ter'  on  beholding  the  soldier,  it  might  he  merely 
because  he  saw  the  latter  an-ayed  in  the  garb  of  death,  and  followe<l  by  the 
ino.st  unequivocal  demonstrations  of  a  doom  to  which  he  him.self  was,  in  ail 
probaJ)ility,  devoted.  As  for  UrJloway,  his  look  betrayed  neither  consciou.s- 
ness  nor  recognition ;  and  though  too  proud  to  express  complaint  or  to  give 
vent  to  the  feelings  of  his  heart,  his  whole  soul  seemed  to  l)e  absorbed  in  the 
unhappy  partner  of  his  luckless  destiny.  Pi-csently  he  saw  her  borne,  and 
in  the  same  state  of  insensibility,  in  the  arms  of  Captain  Erskine  and  Lieu- 
tenant Leslie,  towards  the  hnt  )t  his  fellow  prisoner,  and  he  heard  the  former 
afficer  enjoin  the  weeping  girl  Babette  to  whose  charge  they  deUvered  her 


'.7;, 


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72 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  TTTE  TROPnECT. 


over,  to  pay  every  attention  to  her  her  situation  might  rcqniro.    The  detach- 
ment then  proceeded. 

The  narrow  but  deep  and  rapid  river  alhidcd  to  by  the  Canadian,  as  run- 
ninj;  midway  between  the  town  and  Hog  Island,  derived  its  source  far  within 
the  forest,  and  formed  tho  bed  of  one  of  those  wild,  dark,  and  thick])'-  wooded 
ravines  so  common  in  America.     As  it  neared  the  Detroit,  however,  tlio  ab- 
ruptness of  its  banks  was  so  considerably  lessened,  as  to  render  the  approach 
to  it  on  the  town  side  over  an  almost  an  imperceptible  slope.     Within  a  few 
\  !inl'<  of  its  mouth,  as  we  have  already  observed,  a  rude  but  .strong  wooden 
hridL'o,  over  which  lay  the  high  road,  had  been  constructe  !  by  the  French  ; 
iiml  from  the  centre  of  this,  all  the  circuit  of  intermediate  clearing,  even  to 
the  very  skirt  of  the  forest,  was  distinctly  conmianded  by  the  naked  eye. 
To  the  right,  on  approaching  it  from  the  town,  lay  the  adjacent  .shores  of 
(Canada,  wa.shed  by  the  broad  waters  of  the  Detroit,  on  which  it  was  thrown 
into  strong  relief,  and  which,  at  the  distance  of  about  a  mile  in  front,  Avaa 
seen  to  diverge  into  two  distinct  channels,  purstiing  each  a  separate  course, 
until  they  again  met  at  the  western  extremity  of  Hog  Island.    On  the  left, 
and  in  the  front,  rose  a  succession  of  slightly  undulating  hills,  which,  at  a 
(hstance  of  little  more  than  half  a  mile,  terminated  in  an  elevation  considera- 
bly above  the  immediate  level  of  the  Detroit  side  of  the  ravine.    That,  again, 
was  crovmed  with  thick  and  overhanging  forest,  taking  its  circular  sweep 
nnnuid  the  fort.     The  intermediate  ground  was  studded  over  with  rude  stumps 
of  trees,  and  bore  in  various  directions,  distinct  proofs  of  the  spoliation 
wrought  among  the  infant  po.s.sessions  of  the  murdered  English  settlers.    The 
view  to  the  rear  was  less  open  ;  the  town  being  partially  hidden  by  the  fruit- 
l.'iden  orchards  that  lined  the  intervening  high  road,  and  hung  principally  on 
its  left.     This  was  not  the  case  with  the  fort.     Between  these  orchanls  and 
the  distant  forest  lay  a  line  of  open  cotmtry,  fully  commanded  by  its  cannon, 
even  to  the  ravine  we  have  described,  and  in  a  sweep  that  (smbraced  every 
thing  from  the  bridge  itself  to  the  forest,  in  which  all  trace  of  its  source  was 
lost. 

When  the  detachment  had  arrived  within  twenty  yards  of  the  bridge,  they 
were  made  to  file  off  to  the  loft,  imtil  the  last  gun  had  come  up.  They  were 
then  fronted ;  the  rear  section  of  Captain  Erskine's  company  resting  on  the 
road,  and  the  left  flank,  covered  by  the  two  first  guns  pointed  obliquely,  both 
in  front  and  rear,  to  guard  against  surprise,  in  the  event  of  any  of  the  Indians 
stealing  round  to  the  covei  of  the  orchards.  T'le  route  by  which  they  had 
approached  this  spot  was  upwards  of  two  miles  in  extejit ;  but,  as  they  now 
filed  off  into  the  open  ground,  the  leading  sections  observe  i,  in  a  direct  line 
over  the  cleared  country,  and  at  the  distance  of  little  more  than  three  quar- 
ter' of  a  mile,  the  dark  ramparts  of  the  fortress  that  contained  their  comrades. 
»nd  ctMUd  even  d'stinguish  the  uniforms  of  the  officers  and  men  drawn  up  in 
hne  along  the  works,  where  they  were  evidently  ai^embled  to  witness  ths 
execution  of  the  sentence  on  Ilalloway. 

Such  a  sight  as  that  of  the  English  so  far  from  their  fort,  was  not  likely  to 
escape  the  notice  of  the  Indians.  Their  encampment,  as  the  Canadian  had 
truly  stated  lay  within  the  forest,  and  beyond  the  elevated  ground  already 
alluded  to ;  and  to  have  crossed  the  ravine,  or  ventured  out  of  reach  of  the 
cannon  of  the  fort,  would  have  been  to  seal  the  destruction  of  the  detach- 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PHOPHECT. 


73 


ment  Htit  tlip  olTiiTr  (o  whom  their  sociirity  W!»stntnistc<l.  although  lio  liiii 
his  own  |»arti<!ulur  viows  for  vsfituriiif;  thus  far,  knew  also  at  what  point  to 
gtop ;  and  such  was  the  ronlidence  of  his  men  in  liis  skill  and  prudence,  they 
v'otilti  have  fearlessly  followed  wherever  ho  nnjijht  have  chosen  to  lead.  Still, 
evi'U  amid  all  the  soIeTunity  of  prcjisiration  attendant  on  the  duty  they  were 
out  to  pc.iform.  there  was  a  natural  and  secret  apprehensivencss  about  each, 
that  caused  him  to  cast  his  eyes  frc(iuenlly  an<l  fixedly  on  that  part  of  tho 
forest  whi<'h  was  known  to  alionl  cover  to  their  merciless  foes.  At  times  they 
fancied  they  beheld  the  dark  and  tlittiiitr  forms  of  men  u;li<iing  from  tree  to 
tree  alonj^  the  skirt  of  the  wood ;  but  when  they  gazed  again,  nothing  of  tha 
kuid  was  to  be  seen,  and  the  illusion  was  at  on('e  ascribed  to  the  heavy  state 
(>r  the  atmosphere,  an< I  tlie  action  of  their  own  precinitionary  instincts. 

Mi.ftiwhile  the  solenni  tragedy  of  death  was  preparing  in  mournful  silence. 
On  the  centi'e  of  the  bridge,  and  visible  to  those  even  within  the  fort,  was 
placed  the  colUn  of  Halloway.  iind  at  twelve  pairs  in  front  were  drawn  up 
the  six  rank  and  file  on  wjioni  had  devolved,  by  lot,  the  cruel  «h:ty  of  the 
day.  With  calm  and  fearless  eye  the  prisoner  surveyed  the  prejjarations  for 
his  approaching  end ;  and  whatever  might  be  the  inward  workmgs  of  his 
mind,  there  was  not  among  the  assemi)Ied  soldiery  one  individu.al  wliose 
countenance  betrayed  so  little  of  soirow  and  emotion  as  his  own.  With  a 
firm  step,  when  summoned,  he  moved  towards  the  fatal  coHin.  dashing  his 
cap  to  the  earth  as  he  a<lvanced,  and  baring  his  chest  with  the  characteristic 
contempt  of  death  of  the  soldier.  When  he  had  reached  the  centre  of  the 
briflge,  ho  turned  facing  his  comrades,  and  knelt  upon  the  coHin.  Captain 
Blessington,  who,  permitted  by  the  governor,  had  followed  him  with  a  .sad 
heart  ami  lu^avy  step,  now  drew  a  prayer-book  from  his  pocket,  and  read 
from  it  in  a  low  voice.  He  then  closed  the  volume,  listened  to  son)etliing  the 
prisoner  earnestly  communiciited  to  him.  rcceive<l  a  small  packet  which  ho 
drew  from  the  bosom  of  his  shirt,  sliook  him  long  and  cordially  by  the  hand, 
and  then  hastily  resumed  his  post  at  the  head  of  the  detachment. 

The  jnincipal  inhabitants  of  the  village,  led  by  curiosity,  had  followed  at  a 
distance  iv  witness  the  execution  of  the  condemned  soldier ;  and  above  the 
heads  of  the  line,  and  crowning  the  slope,  were  collected  groups  of  both  sexes 
and  of  all  ages,  that  gave  a  still  more  imposing  character  to  the  scene.  Every 
eye  was  now  turned  upon  the  firing  party,  who  only  awaited  the  signal  to  ox- 
wute  their  melancholy  office,  when  suddenly,  in  the  directit.in  of  the  forest, 
and  upon  the  extreme  height,  there  burst  the  tremendous  and  deafening 
yells  of  more  than  a  thousaiul  savages.  For  an  instant  Halloway  was  for- 
gotten in  the  instinctive  sense  of  individual  danger,  and  all  gazed  eagerly  to 
a.sc«M'tain  the  movements  of  th.eir  enenjy.  I'resently  a  man.  naked  to  the 
waist,  his  body  and  face  })esme;ired  with  streaks  of  blivck  and  red  paint,  and 
liis  whole  attitude  exjuvssing  despair  and  horror,  was  seen  flying  down  tlio 
height  with  a  rapidity  proportioned  to  the  extreme  peril  in  which  he  stood. 
At  about  fifty  paces  in  his  I'ear  followed  ,i  dozen  bounding,  screaming  In- 
dians, armed  with  uplifted  tomahawks,  whose  anxiety  in  pursuit  lent  them  a 
speed  that  even  surpassed  the  efibits  of  fiight  itself.  It  was  evident  tlie  ob- 
ject of  the  pursued  was  to  reach  the  detachment,  that  of  the  pursuers  to  pro- 
vent  him.  The  struggle  was  maintained  for  a  few  moments  with  equality, 
but  in  the  end  the  latter  were  triumphant,  and  at  each  step  the  distance  that 
leparated  them  became  less.  At  the  first  alarm,  the  attachment,  with  the 
•soeption  of  the  firing  partj,  who  still  occupied  their  groriid,  had  been  throirB 


ll 


'I 


I  : 

u 

id 


74 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


I 


II    ' 


:■' 


V 


■ 


•nt/^  sqt.are,  and,  with  a  gun  |  lantod  in  each  anj^lc.  awaited  the  attack  nKV 
^;^  ^la"  'V  cxpootcd.  "Rut  .-tlfhoM'^li  the  hi'it.'hts  were  now  alive  with  the  dusky 
n>  as«i  '^'akcd  warriors,  who,  from  tlio  siiirt  of  the  forest,  watched  the  ex- 
eiionsof  ?! 'M'  fellows,  the  pin  suit  of  the  wretched  fudtivo  was  confined  to 
thoso  alone.  Toremost  of  the  latter,  and  di-'tiu'.'-nished  hy  his  violent  cxer* 
liuiis  and  lieiMlish  cries,  wus  tlic  l.ill  and  wiMiy  attired  warrior  of  the  Fleui 
do  Lis.  At  every  bound  ho  jrained  upon  his  victim.  Alieady  were  they  de- 
scendinfr;  the  nearest  of  the  unduliitiii;j;  hills,  and  l)0tl»  iiosv  hecanic  conspicu- 
ous to  all  around  ;  but  jirincipally  the  pursuer,  whose  gigantic  fraiiio  and  ex- 
traordinar3'  speed  riveted  every  eye,  even  while  the  interest  of  all  was  ex- 
cited for  the  wretched  fugitive  alenc. 

At  that  moment  Halloway,  who  had  been  gazing  on  the  scene  with  an  as- 
tonishment little  inferior  to  that  of  liis  comrades,  sprang  suddenly  to  his  feet 
upon  the  coffin,  and  waving  his  hand  iu  the  direction  of  the  pursuing  enemy, 
shouted  aloud  in  a  voice  of  mingled  joy  ami  triumph, — 

"  Ha  !  Almighty  God.  I  thank  thee  !  Here,  here  comes  one  who  alone  ha.s 
the  power  to  snatch  me  from  my  impending  doom." 

"  By  Heaven,  the  traitor  confesses,  and  presumes  to  triumph  in  Ids  guilt." 

exclaimed  the  voice  of  one.  who.  while  closely  attending  to  every  movement  of 

the  Indians,  was  also  vigilantly  watching  the  efi'ect  likely  to  be  produced  on 

the  prisoner  by  this  unexpected  interruption.     "  Corporal,  do  your  duty." 

"  Stay,  stay — one  moment  stay  !"  im])lore(l  Halloway  with  uplifted  hands. 

"  Do  3'^our  duty,  sir."  fiercely  repeated  the  governor. 

"  Oh  stop — for  God's  sake,  stop !     Another  moment  and  he  will  be  here, 

and  I " 

He  said  no  more — a  dozen  bullets  penetrated  his  body — one  passed  directly 
through  his  heart.  He  leaped  several  feet  in  the  air,  and  then  fell  heavily,  a 
lifeless  bleeding  corpse,  across  the  cotiin. 

Meanwhile  the  pursuit  of  the  fugitive  was  continued,  but  by  the  warrior  of 
the  Fleur  de  Lis  alone.  Aware  of  their  inefficiency  to  keep  pace  with  this  sin- 
stular  being,  his  companions  had  relinquished  the  chase,  and  now  stood  resting 
on  the  brow  of  the  hill  where;  the  wretched  HallovA'ay  had  first  recognised 
his  supposed  deliverer,  watching  eagerly,  though  within  musket  shot  of  the 
detachment,  the  result  of  a  race  on  which  so  much  apparently  depended. 
Neither  party,  however,  attempted  to  interfere  with  the  other,  for  all  eye."! 
were  now  turned  on  the  Hying  man  and  his  pursuer  with  an  interest  that  de- 
noted the  extraordinary  efforts  of  the  one  to  evade  and  the  other  to  attain 
the  accomplishment  of  his  object.  The  immediate  course  taken  was  in  a 
direct  line  for  the  ravine,  which  it  evidently  was  the  object  of  the  fugitive  to 
clear  at  its  nearest  point.  Already  had  he  ap])roachcd  within  a  few  paces  of 
its  brink,  and  every  eye  was  fastened  on  the  point  where  it  was  expected  the 
doubtful  leap  would  be  taken,  when  suddenly,  as  if  despairing  to  accompli.sh 
it  at  a  bound,  he  turned  to  the  left,  and  winding  along  its  bank,  renewed  his 
efforts  in  the  direction  of  the  bridge.  'J'his  movement  occasioned  a  change  in 
the  position  of  the  parties,  which  was  favorable  to  the  pursued.  Hitherto 
they  had  been  so  immediately  on  a  line  with  each  other,  it  was  impossible  for 
the  detachment  to  bring  a  musket  to  bear  upon  the  warrior,  without  endan- 
gering him  whose  life  they  wore  anxious  to  preserve.  For  a  moment  or  two 
his  body  was  fairly  exposed,  and  a  dozen  muskets  were  discharged  at  intervals 
frona  the  square^  but  all  without  success.^    Recovering  his  lost  groundj  he  soon 


i 


WACOrSTA,  OH,  THE  PKOPUEC'Y. 


75 


oron.irht  tlie  pursiu'-l  ajrain  in  a  line  hctwoon  himself  an^l  the  tJctachment, 
edging  rapiflly  n«ariT  to  liim  as  he  advunood,  and  uttering  tcnilic  yells,  that 
were  echoed  back  from  his  companions  on  the  brow  of  the  hill.  It  wa3  evi- 
dent, however,  his  object  was  tlie  re-capture,  not  the  destruction,  of  the  fly- 
inp;  man,  for  more  thnn  nnci>  did  h'^  '  rsndish  his  mcnncinc;  tomfihavf^k  in 
rapid  sweeps  aiound  his  lieiid,  as  if  ^  .v[;  hv^  to  dart  it.  and  as  often  did  he 
check  t!ie  innvetncnt.  The  scene  at  cac'  sui-coeding  moment  became  more 
pritjcal  siiul  inUnsely  interestine;.  ''ho  .-itrength  of  the  purs  led  was  now 
nearly  exhausted,  wliile  tliat  of  his  fonnickhlc  enemy  seemed  to  sulfer  n« 
diminution.  !x';ij)  after  leap  he  took  with  fearful  vuj)e.iority,  sideling  as  he 
advanced.  Ahvady  had  he  closed  u,)0ii  his  victim,  while  with  a  springing 
ellort  ;i  I.iriie  and  bony  iiand  ua  'xtended  to  .secure  his  shoulder  in  his  grasp. 
The  ellbit  was  I'iital  to  him  ;  for  .1  reacbiu;:;  too  far  he  lost  his  lialance,  and 
fell  heavily  U[)on  the  sward.  A  shout  of  exultation  '  u'st  from  the  English 
troops,  iiud  nuiiievous  voices  now  encour.itied  the  piu'Siied  to  renew  his  exer- 
tions. The  advice  wjis  not  lost;  and  althou,!;h  only  a  few  .seconds  Imd  elaps- 
ed betu'eeii  the  fall  and  recoveiy  of  his  pursuer,  the  wretched  fugitive  had 
already  j^ieatly  incre.ised  t1ic  disfanee  that  .separated  tliem.  A  cry  of  savage 
rage  and  disappoiiitnient  buist  from  the  lips  of  the  gigantic  warrior  ;  and  con- 
centrating all  his  remaining  strength  and  speed  into  on  >  final  etlbrt.  he  bound- 
ed and  leapt  like  a  deei-  in  the  forest  whence  he  came.  'Vha  opportunity  for 
re-capture,  however,  had  been  lost  in  his  fall,  for  a'ready  the  pursued  was 
within  a  P-w  feet  of  the  high  road,  and  on  the  point  of  turning  the  extremi- 
t}' of  the  I'.ridge.  One  only  resource  was  now  left;  the  warrior  suddenly 
checked  himself  in  his  couise,  and  remained  stationary;  then  rai.sing  and 
dropjjing  his  glittering  weapon  several  times  in  a  balancing  position,  he 
wait«d  until  the  pursued  had  gained  the  highest  point  of  the  open  bridge.  At 
that  moment  the  glitteriiig  steel,  aimed  with  .singular  accuracy  and  precision, 
Hew  whistling  through  the  air.  and  with  .such  velocity  of  movement  as  to  be 
almost  invisible  to  tlui  eyes  of  thos'!  who  attempted  to  follow  it  in  its  threat- 
ening course.  All  expected  to  see  it  enter  into  the  brain  against  which  it  had 
been  directed ;  but  the  fugitive  had  mark  "d  the  movement  in  time  to  save 
himself  by  stooping  low  to  the  earth,  while  the  weapon,  pa.ssing  over  him,  en- 
teri'd  with  a  deadl}'  and  crashing  sound  into  the  biain  of  the  weltering  corp.se. 
This  danger  passed,  he  sprang  once  more  to  his  feet,  nor  paused  agaiu  in  his 
llight  until,  faint  and  exhau.sted,  he  .sink  without  motion  under  the  very  bay- 
onets of  the  tiring  part}'. 

A  new  direction  was  now  given  to  the  interest  of  the  assembled  ana  dis- 
tinct crowds  that  had  witn's.sed  these  startling  incidents.  Scarcely  Imd  '.he 
wretched  man  gained  tlie  protection  of  the  soldiery,  when  a  shriek  divided  the 
air,  so  wild,  so  jjiercing.  and  .so  unearthly,  tliat  oven  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur 
de  Ivis  seemed  to  lo.se  sightof  his  victim  in  the  harrowing  interest  produced  by 
that  dic.adful  scream.  All  turned  their  eyes  for  a  moment  in  the  quarter 
whence  it  pioceeded ;  when  presently,  frotn  behind  the  groups  of  Canadians 
nrowniuir  the  slope,  was  seoi;  (lying,  with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  one  who 
resembled  rather  a  spectre  than  a  being  of  earth  ; — it  was  the  wife  of  Hallo- 
way.    Her  long  fair  hair  w^as  wild  and  streaming — her  feet,  and  legs,  and 


;ii 


I 


Tfl 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnECY. 


'tl 


arms  were  naVcfl— and  one  sv;!itary  and  scanty  garment  displayed  rather  than 
r<»nccal»'(l  the  symmetry  of  her  (Iclicate  pcrRon.  She  fi^'w  to  the  fatal  l)ri(ljre. 
threw  liorself  on  the  hody  of  her  hIccMhn}?  hnshand,  antl  imprinting  her  warm 
kisses  on  liis  hloody  lip«.  Pir  a  nHJiiicnt  or  two  presented  tlie  inia)?e  of  ono 
whose  reason  lins  fled  forever.  Suddenly  site  starte<l  from  the  earth;  he? 
face,  her  hands,  and  lier  uaniienlR  so  saliiraled  wilh  the  Mood  of  her  hushand, 
ihat  fi  fe'-linj:  of  horror  cit  pt  throughout  tlie  Tcins  of  all  who  heheld  lier. 
Slie  stood  upon  the  collin.  and  across  the  eorpse — raised  her  eyes  and  hands 
implorin-cly  to  llearen— and  then,  in  accents  wilder  even  than  her  words,  tit- 
tered an  imprecation  that  .sounded  hke  the  prophetic  warning  i,f  s(»me  unholy 
Hpirit. 

"  Inhimian  mnrderer !"  she  exclaimed,  in  tones  that  almost  paralyzed  the 
cars  on  wliich  it  fell,  'if  there  he  a  (Jod  of  justice  and  of  truth,  he  will 
ftvenge  this  devilish  deed.  Yirs.  Colonel  de  llaldimar.  a  proplu'tic  voice  whis- 
pers to  my  soul,  that  even  as  I  have  seen  perish  hefore  my  eyes  all  that  I 
loved  on  earth.  \vith(»il  mercy  ami  with/Mit  hope,  so  even  shall  yon  witricss 
the  destruction  of  your  accursed  rac«!.  Mere — here — here."  and  she  jM)inte«l 
downward.s,  with  sniuiilar  energy  of  action,  to  the  corpse  «)f  her  hiishand. 
•*  here  shall  tlxnr  hlood  Movv  till  every  vestige  ag  Ins  own  is  wash«*d  away,  and 
oh,  if  there  he  spnnnl  one  hranch  of  thy  detested  family  may  it  be  only 
tkat  they  may  he  reserved  for  some  death  too  honihle  to  he  conceived!" 

Overcome  hy  the  frantic  energy  with  which  she  had  iitten  d  these  a|»|)allinj; 
words,  .she  sank  hackwards.  and  fell,  uttering  another  shi-i-k,  into  the  arnifi 
of  the  warrior  of  the  Flenr  do  Lis,  who  hore  oil"  his  prize  in  triumph,  and  lied, 
with  nearly  the  same  expedition  he  h.ad  previously  manilested.  in  the  direction 
of  the  forest,  hefoio  any  one  could  recover  snfliciently  lron«  the  etloct  of  the 
(wene  to  think  even  of  interfering. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Tt  was  on  tlie  evening  of  that  day,  .so  fertile  in  melancholy  incident,  to 
which  the  previous  ])ages  have  heen  devoted,  that  the  draw-hridgc  of  Detn)it 
was.  for  the  third  time  since  the  investment  of  the  garrison,  lowered  ;  not  as 
previously,  with  a  disregard  of  the  intimation  that  miglit  he  given  to  th-ise 
without  by  the  .stillen  and  echoing  rattle  oi  its  ponderous  chains,  but  with  a 
i^aution  attesting  how  much  .secresy  of  purpo.se  was  .songht  to  be  preserved. 
There  was.  however,  no  array  of  armed  men  within  the  walls,  that  denoted 
un  expedition  of  a  hostile  ch.aracter.  Overcome  with  the  liarassing  duties  of 
the  d;iy,  tl»e  oliief  portion  of  the  troops  had  retired  to  rest,  and  a  few  groups 
of  the  guard  alone  were  to  be  seen  walking  np  and  down  in  front  of  their 
|M)st,  apparently  with  a  view  to  check  the  influence  of  midnight  drowsiness, 
but.  in  reality,  to  witness  the  result  of  certain  preparations  going  on  by  torch- 
light in  the  centre  of  the  barrack  square. 

In  the  midst  of  an  anxious  group  of  officer.s,  comprising  nearly  all  of  that 
rank  within  the  fort,  stood  two  individuals,  attired  in  a  costumo  having  noth- 
ing in  common  with  the  gay  and  martial  habiliments  of  the  foi.3ier.    Tijey 


rather  than 


WACOU8TA,  OR,  TllJE  PROPHECY.  ^ffT 

were  tail,  handsome  younj?  men.  whose  native  elegance  of  carrfajro  was  hiit 
iiiijtorfectly  hidden  under  an  equipment  evidently  adopted  for.  and  otherwise 
fully  answerinj;.  the  purpose  of  (fisfjuise.  A  hhie  cotton  shell  Jacket.  cIoM'ly 
fittinp;  to  the  p  msou,  trowsors  of  the  same  material,  a  pair  of  strong  dt-ef 
sknj  moccasin-'  .lud  a  colored  luindkerchiff  tied  loosely  round  the  collar  of  n 
checked  shirt,  the  whole  sunnoutiled  l»y  a  rough  hianket  coat,  forming  the 
principal  portion  of  their  gjiri».  Karh.  moreover,  wore  a  false  >/nfue  of  ahoiit 
nine  inches  m  length,  the  ellect  of  which  was  eomplelely  to  clianiie  the  clnir- 
Bcter  of  tiie  countenance,  and  n-nder  (o  the  features  a  ('anadiau-Jike  exj>res- 
sion.  A  re<l  worsted  cap.  resemhliug  a  fmnvr/  de  unit,  was  tlirown  cjirelesslv 
over  the  side  of  the  head,  wliuli  c  iild.  at  any  moment,  when  (lee|H'r  thsguise 
should  he  (leemed  necessary,  cominand  the  additional  protection  of  the  rude 
hood  that  fell  back  upon  the  .shoulders  from  the  collar  of  the  coat  to  which  it 
was  attached.  Into  a  hjoad  helt,  that  encircled  the  jacket  of  ea<-h.  were  thrust 
a  brace  of  pistols  and  a  strong  dagger  ;  the  whole  >io  disposed,  however,  as  u» 
he  invi.sihie  when  the  outer  garment  was  clo.-^ed  :  thi.s,  again!  was  confined  by 
a  rude  .sash  of  worsted  of  diHerent  cohiis,  not  unlike,  in  texture  and  <|uality, 
what  is  woin  by  our  .sergeants  at  the  |)re,sent  day.  They  were  otherwise 
armed,  however,  and  in  a  less  secret  manner.  Acr()ss  the  light  slutulder  of 
each  was  thrown  a  belt  of  worsted  al.so.  to  which  were  att:iched  a  rude  pow- 
der-horn and  shot-pouch,  with  a  few  straggling  bullets.  })Iaced  there  as  if 
rather  by  accident  than  design.  Ktuh  held  carelessly  in  his  left  hanci,  and 
with  its  hutt  resting  on  the  earth,  a  hmg  gun  ;  completing  an  appearance,  the 
Hitainment  of  which  had,  in  all  probabdity,  been  sedulously  songlit,— that  of 
a  Canadian  duck-hunter. 

A  metamorpho.si.s  .so  ludicrously  operated  in  the  nsually  elegant  costume  of 
two  joung  EnglLsh  officers, — for  such  they  were, — might  have  been  expected  to 
hffonci  scope  to  the  plea.santry  of  their  companions,  and  to  call  forth  those  m'- 
lies  '^hifih  the  intimacy  of  friendship  and  the  freema.sDnry  df  the  piofession 
would  have  fully  justified.  But  the  events  that  had  occurcd  in  such  rapid 
succession,  since  the  preceding  midnight,  were  still  i»ainfully  impre.s.scd  on  the 
recollection  of  all,  and  some  there  were  who  looked  as  if  they  never  would 
smile  again  ;  neither  laugh  nor  jeering,  therefore,  escaped  the  lips  of  one  of 
the  surrounding  group.  Every  countenance  wore  a  cast  of  thought, — a  char- 
acter of  abstraction,  ill  suited  to  the  indulgence  of  levity ;  and  the  little  con- 
versation that  passed  between  them  was  in  a  low  and  serious  tone.  It  was 
evident  some  powerful  and  absorbing  dread  existed  in  the  mind  of  each,  in- 
ducing him  rather  to  indulge  in  communion  with  his  own  thoughts  and  im- 
pressions, than  to  conmaunicate  them  to  others.  Even  the  gov  rnor  him«elf 
had,  for  a  moment,  put  off  his  usual  distance,  to  as.sume  an  air  of  unfeigned 
concern,  and  it  might  be,  dejection,  contrasting  strongly  with  his  habitual 
haughtiness.  Hitherto  he  had  been  walking  to  and  fro,  a  little  apart  fiom  the 
group,  and  with  a  hurriedness  and  indecision  of  movement  that  betrayed  to 
all  the  extrc'v"  agitation  of  his  mind.  For  once,  however,  he  appeared  to  be, 
if  not  in.sensibic  to  obseivation,  indifferent  to  whatever  comments  might  bo 
formed  or  expressed  by  those  who  witnessed  his  emotion,  lie  was  at  length 
interrupted  by  the  adjutant,  who  communicated  something  in  a  low  voice. 

"  Let  him  be  brought  up,  Mr.  liawson,"  was  the  reply.    Then  advancing 
into  the  heart  of  the  grouj[),  and  addressing  the  two  adventiu'erSj  be  enqLuiicd* 


n:!| 


ii'' 


f!. 


IS 


WACOrSTA,  OH,  TIIK  rKOrilKCY. 


i 


!     ■,;* 


in  ft  tone  that  Btartled  from  its  singular  mmlncss,  « if  tlicy  were  provided  with 
everything  they  required." 

An  affirmative  reply  was  pivcn,  when  the  governor,  taking  the  taller  of  the 
young  men  aside,  conversed  with  him  oaniostly,  and  in  a  tone  of  affection 
strangely  blended  with  despondency.  The  interview,  liowever,  was  short,  for 
Mr.  Lawson  now  imuh  his  appearance,  conducting  an  individual  who  has  al- 
ready been  introduced  to  our  readers.  It  was  the  Ciinadian  of  tiie  Fleur  do 
L\h.   The  adjutant  placed  a  small  wooden  crucifix  in  the  hands  of  the  governor. 

"Francois,"  said  the  latter,  impressively,  "you  know  the  terms  on  which  I 
have  consented  to  spare  your  life.     Swear,  then,  l)y  this  cross;  that  you  will 
be  faithful  to  your  trust ;  that  neither  treachery  nor  evasion  shall  be  [tractised ; 
and  that  you  will  to  the  utmost  of  yotn*  power,  aid  in  conveying  these  gentle 
men  to  their  destination.     Kneel  and  swear  it." 

"I  do  swear  it!"  fervently  repeatinl  the  aid)ergiste.  kneeling  and  imprinting 
his  lips  with  becoming  reveience  on  the  synd)ol  of  martyrdom.  "  1  swear  to 
do  dat  1  shall  engage,  and  may  de  bon  Dieu  have  mercy  to  my  i.oul  as  I  shall 
fulfil  my  oat." 

"Amen,"  pronounced  the  governor,  "and  may  Heaven  deal  by  you  even  as 
you  deal  by  us.  Bear  in  mind,  moi-eover,  that  as  your  treacliery  will  be  pun- 
ished, so  also  shall  your  fidelity  be  rewarded.  But  the  night  wears  aj)ace.  and 
ye  have  much  to  do."  Then  turning  to  the  young  ollicers  who  were  to  be  his 
companions, — "  God  bless  3'ou  both  ;  may  your  entoi-prise  be  successrul !  I 
fear,"  offering  his  hand  to  the  younger,  "  I  have  s'poken  harshly  to  you,  but 
at  a  moment  like  the  present  you  will  no  longer  cherish  a  recoiloction  of  tho 
unpleasant  past." 

The  only  answer  was  a  cordial  return  of  his  own  presure.  The  Canadian 
in  his  turn  now  announced  the  necessity  for  instant  (l(!partni'e,  when  the  young 
men,  following  his  example,  threw  tlieir  long  guns  carelessly  over  the  left 
Bhoulder.  Low,  rapid,  and  fervent  adieux  were  uttered  on  both  sides ;  and  al- 
though the  hands  of  the  separating  parties  met  only  in  a  short  and  hurried 
grasp,  there  was  an  expression  in  the  touch  of  each  that  spoke  to  their  sevenil 
hearts  long  after  the  separation  had  actually  taken  place. 

"  Stay  one  moment !"  exclaimed  a  voice,  a.s  the  little  party  now  moved  to- 
wards the  gate-way;  "ye  are  both  gallantly  enough  provided  without,  but 
have  forgotten  there  i-;  something  quite  as  necessary  to  sustain  the  inward 
man.  Duck  shooting,  you  know,  is  wet  work.  The  last  lips  that  were 
moLstemd  from  this."  he  proceeded,  as  the  youngor  of  the  disgiiisod  hk  n  threw 
the  strap  of  the  proffered  canteen  over  his  shoulder,  "  were  fhot^a  Df  poor  Ellen 
Halloway." 

The  mention  of  that  name,  so  heedlessly  prcnouncid  V.y  <-bc  bravo  but  in- 
considerate Erskine,  produced  a  startling  eile  t  on  the  taller  of  the  departing 
officers.  He  struck  his  brow  violently  with  his  hand,  uttered  a  faint  groan, 
»i.nd  bending  his  head  uiH)n  his  chest,  stood  in  an  attitude  expressive  of  the 
deep  suffering  of  his  mind.  The  governor,  too.  appeared  agitated  :  and  sounds 
like  tliose  of  suppressed  sobs  came  fro-n  one  who  lingered  at  the  side  of  him 
who  had  accented  tire  offer  of  the  canteen.  The  remainder  of  the  officrrs  pre- 
served a  deep  and  mournful  silence. 

*'  It  is  times  dat  wc  should  start,"  again  observed  the  Canadian,  "  or  wo 
ihnU  b«  taken  by  de  daj.Mght  before  we  can  cleai"  de  river." 


[WACorsTA,  OR,  Tnr:  fkoi'Mkcy. 


19 


>vltk'(I  with 


m,  "  or  wo 


This  Ihtlmfttlon  once  more  aroused  the  slumbering  energies  of  the  taller  of- 
ficer. Again  ho  drew  up  his  coniinuiKling  figure,  extended  hirt  hand  to  the 
governor  in  silence,  and  turning  nhruptly  round,  hastened  to  follow  close  io 
the  footsteps  of  his  conductor. 

"You  will  not  forget  all  I  liavo  said  to  you,"  whispered  the  voice  of  ono 
who  had  reserved  his  parting  for  the  last,  and  who  now  hold  the  hand  of  the 
younger  adventurer  closely  clasiH-d  within  his  own.  ''  Think,  oh,  think  how 
niiiih  depends  on  the  event  of  your  dangerous  enterprise." 

'•  WIk'U  you  behold  me  iigain."  was  the  reply,  "  it  will  be  witli  smiles  on 
my  lip  and  gladness  in  my  heart;  for  if  we  fail,  there  is  that  which  whimpers 
I  shall  never  see  you  more.  But  keep  up  your  spirits  and  hope  for  the  bext. 
We  embark  under  cheerless  auspices,  it  is  true ;  but  let  us  trust  to  Providence 
for  success  in  so  good  a  cause, — (Jod  bless  you  !" 

In  the  next  minute  he  had  joined  his  companions;  who,  with  light  and 
noiseless  tread,  were  already  pursuing  their  way  along  the  military  road  that 
led  to  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  town.  Soon  afterwards  the  heavy  chains 
of  the  drawbridge  were  heard  grating  on  the  ear,  in  desi)ite  of  the  evident  cau- 
tion used  in  restoring  it  to  its  wonted  position,  and  all  again  was  still. 

It  had  at  first  been  suggested  their  course  should  be  held  in  an  angular 
direction  across  the  cleared  country  alluded  to  in  our  last  chapter,  in  order  to 
avoid  all  chance  of  recognition  in  the  town  ;  but  as  this  might  have  led  them 
into  more  dangerous  contact  with  some  of  the  outlying  parties  of  Indians,  who 
were  known  to  prowl  around  the  fort  at  night,  this  plan  had  been  abandoned 
for  the  more  circuitous  and  safe  passage  by  the  village.  Through  this  our 
little  party  now  pursued  their  way,  and  without  encountering  aught  to  im- 
pede their  progress.  The  simple  mannered  inhabitants  had  long  since  retired 
to  rest,  and  neither  light  nor  sound  denoted  ttie  existence  of  man  or  beas< 
wiihin  its  precincLs.  At  length  they  reached  that  part  of  the  road  which 
tinned  off  abruptly  in  the  direction  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis.  The  rude  hut  threw 
its  dark  shadows  across  their  path,  but  all  was  still  and  deathlike  as  in  the 
village  they  had  just  quitted.  Presently,  however,  as  they  drew  nearer,  they 
heheld,  reflected  from  one  of  the  upper  windows,  a  faint  light  that  fell  upon 
the  ground  immediately  in  front  of  the  aubo'-ge ;  and,  at  intervals,  the  figure 
of  a  human  being  approaching  and  receding  from  it  as  if  in  the  act  of  pacing 
the  a])artment. 

An  instinctive  feeling  of  danger  rose  at  the  same  moment  '  the  hearts  of 
the  young  officers ;  and  each,  obeying  the  same  impulse,  n  ■  stened  one  of 
the  large  horn  buttons  of  his  blanket  coat,  and  thrust  his  righc  hand  into  the 
opening. 

'  l^^ran^ois,  recollect  your  oath,"  hastily  aspirated  the  elder  as  he  grasped 
the  hand  of  their  conductor  rather  in  supplication  than  in  threat ;  "  if  there  be 
wight  to  harm  us  here,  your  own  life  will  most  assure(Dy  pay  the  forfeit  of 
ytur  faith." 

*'  It  is  nothing  but  a  woman,"  calmly  returned  the  Canadian  ;  "  it  is  mj 
Rabctte  who  is  sorry  at  my  loss.     But  I  shall  come  and  tell  you  directly." 

H«  then  »tole  gently  round  tbe  corner  of  the  hut,  leaving  his  anxious  con* 
pftj>ions  in  the  rear  of  the  little  building,  and  completely  veiled  in  the  ob.scvirjtv 
produced  by  the  mingling  shadows  of  the  hut  itself,  a'nd  a  few  tall  pear  trees 
(.hat  overhung  the  paling  of  the  orchard  at  some  ya^ds  from  the  spot  on  whic|» 
they  stood. 


1 ' ' « 


'41 


kil 


m 


11 


80 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PHOPHECT. 


f  ^ 


They  waited  some  minutes  to  hear  the  result  of  the  Canadian's  admittance 
into  his  dwelling;  but  although  each  with  suppresserl  breathing  sought  to 
latch  those  sounds  of  welcome  with  which  a  daughter  might  be  supposed  to 
greet  a  i)aient  so  unexpectedly  restored,  they  listened  m  vain.  At  length, 
however,  while  llie  eiirs  of  both  were  on  the  ruck  to  drink  in  the  tones  of  a 
human  voice,  a  faint  scream  lloated  on  the  hushed  air,  and  all  again  was  still. 

"  (jiood  !•'  whispei-ed  the  eUer  of  the  ollicers  ;  "  that  scream  is  sweeter  to 
my  ears  than  the  softest  accents  of  a  woman's  love.  It  is  evident  the  ordi- 
nary tones  of  speech  cannot  find  their  way  to  us  here  from  the  front  of  the 
hut.  'I'he  faintucss  of  yon  cry,  which  was  unquestionably  that  of  a  female, 
is  a  convincing  proof  of  it." 

"  llfst!"  urged  his  companion,  in  the  same  almost  inaudible  whisper,  "what 
sound  was  that?" 

lioth  again  listened  attentively,  when  the  noise  was  repeated.  It  came 
from  tl  J  orchard,  and  resembled  the  sound  produced  by  the  faint  crash  of 
rotten  sticks  and  leaves  tmder  the  cautious  but  unavoidably  rending  tread  of 
a  human  foot.  At  intervals  it  ceased,  as  if  the  peison  treading,  alarmed  at 
his  own  noise,  was  apprehensive  of  betraying  his  approach  ;  and  then  recom- 
menced, only  to  be  checked  in  the  same  manner.  Finally  it  ceased  altogether. 
For  upwards  of  Hve  kuiiiutes  the  young  men  continued  to  listen  for  a  renewal 
of  the  soiuid,  but  notliing  was  now  audible,  save  the  short  and  iitful  gusts  of 
a  rising  wind  among  the  trees  of  the  orchard. 

"'  it  nnist  have  been  some  wild  animal  in  search  of  its  prey,"  again  whis- 
pered the  youngei-  olHcer ;  "  had  it  beena  man,  we  should  have  heaid  him  leap 
the  pulin;^  before  this." 

''  liy  Heaven,  we  are  betray ed, — here  he  Li"  quickly  rejoined  tlie  other,  in 
the  same  low  tone.  "Keep  close  to  the  hut,  and  stand  behind  me.  If  my 
daggej  fail,  you  must  try  your  own.  But  fire  not,  on  your  life,  unless  thero 
be  more  iluin  two.  for  the  report  of  a  pistol  will  be  the  destruction  of  our- 
selves, and  a".)  that  are  dear  to  us."  Each  with  uplifted  ami  now  stood  ready 
to  stiikc,  even  \.liile  his  heart  throbbed  with  a  sense  of  danger,  that  had  far 
more  than  the  mere  dread  of  personal  sull'ering  or  death  to  stimulate  to  exer- 
tion in  self-defence.  I'oo'steps  were  now  distinctly  heard  stealing  round  that 
part  of  the  hut  which  bordered  on  the  road;  and  the  young  men  turned  from 
the  oi'chard,  t«)  which  their  attention  tiad  previously  been  directed,  towai  is 
the  new  quarter  whence  they  were  intruded  upon. 

It  was  foitunate  this  mode  of  approach  had  been  selected.  That  part  of 
the  Imt  which  i-estcd  on  the  road  was  so  exposed  as  to  throw  the  outline  of 
objects  into  sli'ong  relief,  whereas  in  the  direction  of  the  thickly  wooded  or- 
chartl  all  was  impenetrable  gloom.  Had  the  intruder  stolen  unannounced 
upon  the  alarmed  but  determined  ollicers  by  the  latter  route,  the  dagger  of 
the  first  would  in  all  probability  h.ave  been  plunged  to  its  hilt  in  his  bosom. 
As  it  was,  each  had  sullicient  presence  of  mind  to  distinguish,  as  it  now 
doubled  the  ( oi  ikt  of  the  hut,  and  reposed  upon  the  road,  the  stout,  square- 
set  figure  of  the  Canadian.  The  daggers  were  instantly  restored  to  their 
sheaths,  and  each,  foi'  the  first  time  since  the  departure  of  their  companion. 
respirwl  fnnly.  '•  it  is  (juite  well,"  whispered  the  latter  as  he  approached^ 
"  it  was  my  poor  iialKtte,  who  tought  1  was  gone  to  be  kill.  She  scream  so 
loud  a.s  if  >he  had  seen  my  ghost.  Uut  we  must  wait  a  few  minute  in  de 
Uuuse  and  .you  shall  see  how  ^lad  my  girl  is  to  see  me  once  again." 


e  whisper,  "  what 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


81 


<  Wliy  this  May,  rran9ois  ?  why  not  start  directly  ?»  urged  the  tallci'  ofii- 
ief ;  •'  we  shall  never  clear  the  river  in  time;  and  if  the  dawn  catches  ns  m 
the  wuters  of  tlie  Delioit  we  are  lost  for  ever." 

"  But  yi)ii  see  I  flin  i\ot  quite  [)rL'pare  yet,"  was  the  aaswer  "  1  have  mam 
tings  to  f^et  ready  for  the  canoe,  which  1  have  not  use  lor  a  long  tmieg  IJiA 
you  shall  not  wait  ten  niiiuite,  if  you  do  not  like.  Dere  is  a  pood  fire,  and 
iiahotte  shall  give  you  some  tinj;  to  out  while  I  get  it  all  ready." 

The  young  men  liesitated.  The  delay  of  the  Canadian,  who  had  so  repeat- 
edly urged  the  necessity  for  expedition  while  in  the  fort,  had,  to  sa^'  the  least 
of  il,  an  appearance  of  incongruity.  Still  it  was  evident  if  disposed  to  harm 
iheui  lie  had  full  opportunity  to  do  so  without  much  risk  of  eltectual  opposi- 
tion from  themselves.  Unuer  all  circumstances,  therefore,  it  was  advisable 
rather  to  appear  to  confide  implicitly  in  his  truth,  than,  by  manifesting  snispi- 
nion.  to  pique  his  self-love,  and  neutralise  whatever  favorable  intentions  he 
might  cherish  in  their  behalf.  In  this  mode  of  conduct  they  were  confirme<l, 
by  a  recollection  of  the  sacredness  attached  by  the  religion  of  their  conductor 
to  the  oath  so  solemnly  pledged  on  the  symbol  of  the  cross,  and  by  a  convic- 
tion of  the  danger  of  observation  to  which  they  stood  exposed,  if,  as  they 
had  apprehanded,  it  was  .actually  a  human  footstep  they  had  heard  in  the  or 
chard.     This  last  recollection  sugiiested  a  remark. 

'•  We  heard  a  strange  .sound  w  ithin  the  orchard,  while  waiting  here  for 
vour  return,"  .said  the  taller  oflicer ;  "  it  was  hke  the  footstep  of  a  man  tread- 
ing cautiou.sly  over  rotten  leaves  and  branches.     How  do  you  account  for  it?" 

"Oh,  it  was  my  pigs"  replied  the  Canadian,  without  manifesting  the  slight- 
est uneasiness  at  the  informaiion.  "  They  run  about  in  de  orchard  for  de 
apples  what  blows  down  wid  do  wind." 

''It  could  not  be  a  pig  we  heard,"  pursued  his  questioner;  "but  another 
thing.  Francois,  before  we  consent  to  enter  the  hut, — how  will  you  account  to 
your  daughter  for  our  presence  ?  and  what  suspicion  may  .she  not  form  at 
seeing  two  armed  strangers  in  company  witli  you  at  this  unseasonable  hour?" 

"  1  have  tell  her,"  replied  the  Canadian,  '  dat  I  have  bring  two  friends,  who 
go  wid  me  in  de  canoe  to  shoot  de  ducks  for  two  tree  days.  You  know,  sir, 
I  go  always  in  de  fall  to  kill  de  ducks  wid  my  friends,  and  she  will  not  tink 
It  strange." 

''  You  have  managed  well,  my  brave  fellow;  and  now  we  follow  you  in 
conlidence.  But  in  the  name  of  Heaven  use  all  possible  despatch,  and  if 
money  will  lend  a  spur  to  your  actions,  you  shall  have  plenty  of  it  when  our 
enterpri.^e  has  been  accomplished." 

Our  adventurers  followed  tlieir  conductor  in  the  track  by  which  he  had  so 
rocently  rejoined  them.  As  they  turned  the  corner  of  the  hut,  tlie  younger, 
who  brought  uj)  the  rear,  fancied  he  again  heard  a  scmnd  in  the  direction  of 
the  orchard,  resembling  that  of  one  lightly  leaping  to  the  ground.  A  gust  of 
^■iiid.  however,  pas.'ing  rapidly  at  the  moment  through  the  dense  foliage,  led 
hun  to  i)elieve  it  miglit  have  been  produced  by  the  sullen  fall  of  one  of  the 
Heavy  fruits  it  had  detached  in  its  course.  Unwilling  to  excite  new  and  iin- 
ziecessary  susjucion  in  his  companion,  he  confined  the  circumstance  to  his  owr 
breast,  and  followed  into  the  hut. 

After  asc:ending  a  llight  of  about  a  dozen  rude  steps,  they  found  theniseives 
in  a  small  room,  furnished  with  no  other  ceiling  than  the  sloping  roof  itself 


'.t'-tl 


m 


'■in 


n 

il 


m 


r 


I    b 


'd 


i 


M 


I 


Jj 

111 
n 


If  > 


82 


WAC'OUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECr. 


and  lighted  by  f^n  un^'feldv  iron  lamp,  placed  on  a  heavy  oak  tahle.  ncai-  ll.e 
only  window  with  which  the  apartment  was  pj-ovidcd.  The  latter  had  suf- 
fered much  from  theinliuenre  of  time  and  tempest;  and  owinjr  lo  thedifliculty 
of  procuring  glass  in  so  remote  a  region,  had  been  patched  with  slips  of  paper 
in  various  parts.  The  two  corner  and  louver  panes  of  the  bottom  sash  were 
out  altogether,  and  pine  shingles,  such  as  arc  used  even  at  the  present  day  for 
covering  the  roofs  of  dwelling  houses,  had  been  fitted  into  the  squares,  ex- 
cluding air  and  light  at  the  same  time.  The  centre  pane  of  this  tier  was, 
however,  clear  and  free  from  flaw  of  every  description.  Opposite  to  the  win- 
dow bla/ed  a  cheerful  wood  fire,  recently  supplied  with  fuel ;  and  at  one  of 
iho  inner  corners  of  the  rcom  was  placed  a  low  uncurtained  bed,  that  ex- 
hibited uvvirks  of  having  been  lain  in  since  it  was  last  made.  On  a  chair  at 
i\»  8:de  were  heaped  a  few  dark-lookmg  gai-ments,  the  precise  nature  of  vfhich 
were  not  distinguishable  at  a  cui'sory  and  distant  glance. 

Such  were  the  more  remarkable  features  of  the  apai'tment  into  which  our 
adventurers  were  now  ushei'ed.  Both  looked  cautiously  around  on  entering, 
as  if  expecting  to  find  it  tenanted  by  spirits  as  daring  as  their  owii;  but,  with 
the  exception  of  the  daughter  of  their  conductor,  whose  moist  blaf;k  eyes  ex- 
pressed, as  much  by  tears  as  by  smiles,  the  joy  .she  felt  at  this  unexpected  re- 
turn of  her  parent,  no  living  object  met  their  enquiring  giance.  The  Cnna- 
rlian  placed  a  couple  of  rush-bottomed  chairs  near  the  fire,  invited  his  com- 
panions to  seat  themselves  until  he  had  completed  his  preparations  for  depar- 
ture, and  then,  desiring  Babette  to  hasten  supper  for  the  young  hunters,  quit- 
ted the  room  and  descoaded  the  stairs. 


CHAPTER  Xt 

The  position  of  the  young  men  was  one  of  embarrassment ;  for  while  tho 
daughter,  who  was  busied  in  executing  the  command  of  her  father,  remained 
in  the  room,  it  was  impossible  they  could  converse  together  without  betray- 
ing the  secret  of  their  country,  and,  as  a  result  of  this,  the  falsehood  of  tlie 
character  under  which  they  appeared.  Long  residence  in  the  country  had.  it 
is  true,  rendered  the  patois  of  that  class  of  people  whom  ihey  peisonated  fa- 
miliar to  one,  but  the  other  spoke  only  the  pure  and  native  language  of  which 
it  was  a  corruption.  It  might  have  occurred  •^o  them  at  a  cooler  moment,  arid 
under  less  critical  circumstances,  that,  even  if  their  disguise  had  been  pene- 
trated, it  was  unlikely  a  female,  manifesting  so  much  lively  allcction  for  her 
parent,  would  have  done  aught  to  injure  those  with  whom  he  had  evidently 
connected  himself.  But  the  importance  attached  to  their  entii-e  security  from 
danger  left  them  but  little  room  for  reflections  of  a  calming  character  while 
a  doubt  cf  that  security  remained. 

One  singularity  struck  them  both.  They  had  expected  the  j^oung  wom.rn, 
urged  by  a  natural  curiosity,  would  have  commenced  a  conversation,  even  if 
they_  did  not ;  and  he  who  spoke  the  patois  was  prepared  to  sustain  it  as  wel] 
as  his  anxious  and  overcharged  spirit  would  enable  him ;  and  as  he  was  awaro 
the  morning  had  furnished  sufficient  incident  of  fearful  intcresti  Ue  had  ua- 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  rROPlIECY. 


S"- 


o 


ik  taWo.  near  Hie 
B  latter' hiul  suf- 
tr  to  the  (liflicnlty 
^th  slips  of  paper 
)ottoni  sash  were 
le  present  day  for 
the  sqiiares,  ex- 
of  this  tier  was, 
positc  to  the  win- 
'l ;  and  at  one  of 
ned  bed,  that  ex- 
lo.  On  a  chair  ftt 
;e  nature  of  vf  hich 

nt  into  which  our 
round  on  entering;, 
)ir  own;  but,  with 
jist  blar^k  eyes  ex- 
his  unexpected  re- 
;ionce.  The  Cnna- 
3,  iuvited  his  com- 
arations  for  depar- 
)ung  hunters,  quit- 


lent ;  for  while  the 
;r  father,  remained 
ler  without  betray- 
lic  falsehood  of  the 
:he  country  had.  it 
hey  peisonated  fa- 

lan.irunj2;e  of  which 
booler  moment,  and 
fse  had  been  pene- 
ly  alfection  for  her 
he  had  evidently 
jntire  security  from 

iK  character  while 

[the  yonnj»  wom.ir.. 

invcvsatiou,  even  if 
sustain  it  as  wel] 
id  as  he  was  awaro 
iterest,  he  had  ua- 


mrally  looked  for  a  vcrhal  re-enactment  of  the  harrowing  and  dreudful  scene. 
To  their  surprise,  liowovei-,  they  Ijolh  remarked  that,  liir  from  evincing;  a  de- 
sire to  enter  into  conversaticui,  the  young  woman  scarcely  evei-  looked  at 
them,  but  lingci-ed  coi'istuutly  near  the  table,  juul  facing  the  window.  Still, 
to  avoid  an  api)earau''e  of  sir.guhirity  on  tlieir  own  jiints.  as  fai-  as  possible, 
the  elder  of  the  odlceis  motioned  to  his  companion,  who.  following  his  exam- 
ple, took  a  small  pip.'  and  some  tobacco  from  a  (•omi)artiiient  in  his  shot 
ponvh.  and  conuneu'cd  |mtling  tht,'  wreathing  smoke  from  his  lips, — an  0<;cU" 
patiou,  more  than  any  olliei-.  seeming  lo  justify  their  silence. 

'I'he  elder  ofli-.'cr  sat  with  his  back  to  tlie  window,  and  inniiediately  in  frofit 
ct  the  lire;  his  ctMiipanion  at  a  cornei'  of  the  rude  hcartli,  and  in  siicli  a  man- 
ner that,  without  turning  his  liead,  he  could  command  every  part  of  the  room 
Rt  a  glance.  In  the  corner  facing  liim  stood  the  bed  already  desei'ibed.  A 
fairt  ray  of  fire-light  IVl!  on  some  minute  object  glittering  in  the  diair.  the 
contents  of  >vhich  were  luapcd  up  in  di.sorder.  I'l-ged  by  that  wayward  cu- 
riosity, which  is  sometimes  e.\cite(l.  oven  midei'  circumstances  of  the  greatest 
danger  and  otherwise  abs<  I'ltiu'j,-  interest,  the  younu'  man  kicked  the  hickory 
log  that  ]:iy  neare.^L  to  it.  '.'ith  liis  mocassined  foot,  and  produced  a  l.Tiglit 
irackling  iinme,  tlu;  rellcction  ol'  whii-h  was  thrown  entii'eiy  upon  the  olijeot 
uf  hi.3  gaze;  it  was  a  laige  metal  button,  on  which  t!ie  numbei'  of  nis  regi- 
meni  wm  distinctly  visible  rnable  to  check  his  desire  to  know  fta-tlier.  h« 
[eft  his  Moat,  to  (.'XRUiine  the  contents  of  tlie  chair.  As  he  moved  acrv  .■■'.;.  Iti«, 
room,  he  fancied  lie  heard  a  light  sound  from  without  ;  liis  comnauio'i.  al.NO. 
necmed  to  manifest  a  similar  impression  by  an  almost  imjierceptible  stait ;  but 
tlie  noliii:-  was  ,so  momcntarv,  and  so  faiicil'iil.  neither  felt  it  woilh  his  while  to 
pause  upon  the  ciT'cumstance.  The  young  olllcer  now  I'aised  the  garments 
from  the  cliair:  they  consisted  of  a  small  grey  great-coat,  nnd  trow?,ers.  a 
waistcoat  of  coarse  white  cloth,  a  paii'  of  woi'sled  stockings,  and  the  half- 
boots  of  a  boy ;  tlie  whole  f(uuiing  the  di'um-boj-'s  e(piipinent  worn  by  the 
wretched  wife  of  Ilalloway  v.'<en  boi'uo  senseless  into  the  hut  on  that  fatal 
moiTiing.  llastil}'  (putting  a  dress  that  called  up  so  m.any  <b. eadful  recollec- 
tions, and  tui'uing  to  b-  ,  companion  with  a  look  that  denoted  apprehtn.sion, 
lest  he  too  should  have  beheld  these  melancholy  remembr;inces  of  the  harrow 
iiig  scene,  the  young  ollicer  hastened  to  resume  his  seat.  In  the  act  of  .so  doing, 
his  eye  fell  upon  the  window,  at  wiiich  the  female  still  lingered.  Had  a 
blast  fi'om  heaven  struck  his  sight,  tin;  teri'or  of  his  soul  could  not  have  l)eeu 
greater.  lie  felt  liis  cheek  to  pale,  and  his  hair  to  bristle  beneath  his  cap. 
while  the  checked  blood  crept  slowly  and  cc'.dly.  as  if  its  veiw  function  had 
been  paral\-.sed  ;  still  he  bad  presence  of  mind  sulHcient  not  to  falter  in  his 
stop,  or  to  betra}'.  by  an  extraordinaiy  movement,  that  his  eye  had  rested  on 
anything  hateful  to  behold. 

His  companion  had  enn)ti(Ml  his  first  ])ipe.  and  was  in  the  act  of  re-fiUiug 
Jt,  when  he  resiuneil  his  se.it.  He  wiis  c'viiU-ntly  impatient  at  the  delay  of  the 
(^uiadian,  and  already  wwc  his  lips  ready  to  give  uttcr.iuce  to  his  disajipoint- 
pient,  when  he  felt  his  foot  signiticantly  pres.sed  by  that  of  his  friend.  An 
instinctive  sense  of  something  fearful  that  was  to  ensue,  but  still  demanding 
caution  on  his  part,  prevented  him  from  tui-ning  hastily  round  to  know  the 
cau.se.  Satisfied,  however,  there  was  danger,  though  not  of  an  instantaneous 
character,  he  put  his  pipe  .ijentl^  by,  and  stealing;  his  haud  under  his  coat, 


m 


^11 


'I 


^■'M 


i4 
Ml 


•^"C- 


n^i 


i 


84 


WACOLSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


:i        1 


ftfjaln  jrraspod  tho  hilt  of  liis  (laggcr.  At  length  he  slowly  ami  partially 
turned  liis  head,  svliilo  his  eyes  cnciuiringly  denmnded  of  his  friend  the  cause 
of  this  ahinn.  I'artly  to  aid  in  concealing  his  increasing  paleness,  and  partly 
with  a  view  to  ivndcr  it  a  niediuni  for  t'  e  conveyance  of  subdued  sound,  the 
hand  of  the  latter  was  raised  to  his  fact  in  such  a  manner  that  the  motion  of 
his  lips  could  not  he  distinguished  from  beliind. 

'■  We  aro  iietiayod,"  he  scarcely  breathed.  "  If  you  can  command  yonr- 
Relf.  turn  and  look  at  the  window;  but  for  God's  sake  arm  y-ourself  with 
resolution,  or  iiKik  not  at  all :  llrst  draw  the  hood  over  3'our  liead.  and 
without  any  appearaiK^e  of  lesign.  Our  onl}'  chance  of  safety  lies  in  this, 
— that  the  Caiunlian  may  stil.  be  true,  and  that  our  ''V;s;.ruise  may  not  bo  peno- 
trated." 

In  despite  of  his  native  courage, — and  this  had  often  been  i)ut  to  honorable 
proof, — he,  thus  mysteriously  addressed,  felt  his  heart  to  throb  violently. 
There  was  something  so  appalled  in  the  countenance  of  his  friend — something 
so  alarming  in  the  ver\'  caution  he  had  reconnnc  lided — that  a  vague  dread  of 
the  horrible  reality  rushed  at  once  to  his  mind,  aiid  for  a  moment  his  own 
clieek  ))eeai'ie  ashy  jjale.  and  his  breathing  painiuily  oppressed.  It  was  the 
natural  weakness  of  tho  physical  man.  over  which  t!»e  moral  faculties  had 
for  an  inst.ant.  lost  their  directing  power.  Speedily  recovering  himself,  the 
young  man  prepared  to  i"ounter  the  alarming  object  wliich  had  ali'eady  ro 
grtatly  intrnidated  his  ;i;>  n  1.  Carei'ully  (hawing  the  blanket  hood  over  his 
head,  he  rose  fi'om  his  s  'o,  jud,  with  the  energetic  movement  of  one  who  has 
formed  some  desj)erate  determination,  tinned  his  back  to  the  <ire-place,  and 
dnew  his  eyes  lapidly  and  eagerly  upon  the  window.  They  fell  only  on  th« 
rude  patchwork  of  which  it  was  principally  composed.  The  female  had  quitted 
the  room. 

"  You  must  have  been  deceived,"  he  whispered,  keeping  his  eye  Btill  bc»it 
upon  the  window,  and  with  so  imperceptible  a  movement  of  the  lips  thit 
sound  alone  couid  have  betrayed  that  he  was  speakmg, — "I  sec  nothn.^  to 
jditify  30UI  alarm.     Look  again." 

The  younger  oliicer  once  more  directed  his  glance  towards  the  windo\r, 
and  with  a  shuddeiing  of  the  whole  person,  as  he  recollected  what  had  met 
his  eye  when  he  last  looked  upon  it.  "  It  is  no  longer  there,  indeed."  he 
returned  in  the  same  .scarcely  audible  tone.  "  Yet  I  could  not  be  mistaken  ; 
it  was  between  those  two  corner  squares  of  wood  in  the  lower  sash." 

'•  Perhajis  it  was  merely  a  reflection  jjioduccd  by  the  lamp  on  the  centre 
pane,"  ; vj'oined  his  fiiend.  still  keeping  his  eye  riveted  on  the  suspicious  point. 
'•  Impossible !  hut  1  will  examine  the  window  from  the  spot  on  which  I  stood 
wh.n  I  first  beheld  it." 

Aga.n  he  quitted  his  seat,  and  carelessly  crossed  the  room.  As  he  returned 
he  threw  his  giance  ui)un  the  pane,  when,  to  his  infinite  horror  and  surpri.se 
the  same  friL'htrnl  vision  presented  itself. 

"  God  ol'  heaven  !"  he  exclaimed  aloud,  and  unable  longer  to  check  the 
ebullition  of  Ins  Pjelings. — "  what  moans  tliis  ?  Is  my  brain  turned  ?  and  am 
I  the  sport  of  my  own  (lelusive  fanc}' — Do  you  not  see  it  now?" 

No  answer  was  returned.  His  friend  stood  unite  and  motionless,  with  hia 
left  hand  grasping  his  gun,  and  liis  riglit  thrust  into  the  waist  of  his  coat. 
His  eye  grew  upon  the  window,  and  his  chest  lieaved.  and  his  cheek  paled 


.■,>V'l 


VTAfOT'STA,  cn,  TTIK  PnorHECY. 


85 


jcc  nothu.f^  to 


kiid  flushed  alternately  with  the  suhdned  emotion  of  his?  heart.  A  hiiinan 
face  was  placed  close  to  the  unblemished  ghiss,  and  every  feature  was  (li>*- 
tiiictiy  revealed  by  the  lamp  that  still  lay  upon  the  tahle.  The  ghiriii.;  eye 
was  fixed  on  the  taller  of  the  officers;  but  thouj^h  the  expression  was  ii«- 
fathomably  guileful,  there  was  ii(nhn<r  that  denoted  nnytliin-j;  IIa"  a  recoi:Jii- 
tiiMi  of  the  party.  The  brightness  of  the  wood  fire  had  so  tar  sult.•^lded  as  to 
throw  the  interior  of  the  room  into  partial  obseniity.  and  under  the  disguise 
of  his  hood  it  was  impossil)le  for  one  without  to  (hstinguish  tlie  features  of 
i\u-  taller  officer.  The  yotmger,  who  was  scai-cely  an  ol)ject  of  attention, 
passed  comparatively  unnoticed. 

Fatigued  and  dimned  with  the  long  and  eager  tension  of  its  nerves,  the  eye 
of  the  latter  now  began  to  fail  liiiu.  For  a  moment  he  closed  it ;  and  when 
ai'^ain  it  fell  upon  the  wdndow,  it  encountered  nothing  but  the  cU'ar  and  glit- 
tering pane.  For  upwan-ds  of^  a  minute  he  and  his  friend  still  continued  to 
rivet  their  gaze,  but  the  fiice  was  no  longer  visible. 

Why  is  it  that  what  is  called  the  '•  human  face  divine,"  is  sometimes  gifted 
with  a  power  to  paralyse,  that  the  most  loathsome  reptile  in  the  creation  «'an- 
not  attain  ?  Had  a  cougar  of  the  American  forest,  roaring  for  prey,  aj  vmi  e  i 
at  the  window,  ready  fco  burst  the  fiagile  Ijairier,  and  fasten  its  talons  in  their 
hearts,  its  presence  would  not  have  struck  such  sickness  t^  the  soids  of  our 
adventurers  as  did  that  human  face.  It  is,  that  man,  natuia.y  fierce  -ad  in- 
exorat)le,  is  alone  the  enemy  of  his  own  species.  The  solul'..;  f  tl.l,,  pro- 
blem— this  glorious  paradox  in  natm-e,  we  leave  to  profou-i  •  philt  sophers 
to  resolve.     Sufficient  for  us  be  it  U)  know  and  to  deplore  ti; .'  it  is  so. 

Footsteps  were  now  hoard  upon  the  stairs ;  and  the  ollian: ,  ar;)r.scd  to  a 
full  sense  of  their  danger,  hastily  a!\d  silently  prepan'd  themselves  for  the  en- 
counter. "  Drop  a  bullet  into  your  gun,"  whispered  the  elder,  set' in;.'  the  ex- 
ample himself.  "  We  may  be  obliged  to  have  recourse  to  ''■■,  at  l;\st.  Yet 
make  no  show  of  hostility  unless  circumstances  satisfy  us  we  are  b';trayed  ; 
then,  indeed,  all  that  remains  for  us  will  be  to  sell  our  lives  as  dearly  as  wo 
can.     Hist!  he  is  here." 

The  door  opened!  and  at  the  entrance,  which  was  already  filled  np  in  the 
imaginati(ms  of  the  }'Oung  men  with  a  terrible  and  alariniii^  M^nre.  appeared 
one  whose  return  had  been  anxiously  and  long  desired.  It  was  a  relief  in- 
<leed.  to  their  gallant  but  excited  hearts  to  behold  another  th;in  llie  form  they 
had  expected;  and  although,  for  the  moment,  they  knew  not  whether  the 
Canadian  came  in  hostility  or  friendship,  each  qaitteil  the  attitude  of  cantn)n 
into  which  he  had  thrown  himself,  and  met  h'ln  midvva'  in  his  passage  tin mi^b 
ihe  room.  There  was  nothing  in  the  cxpiession  of  hix  natiuaii^  p\)at  and 
good-humored  countenance  to  denote  he  was  at  all  awaic  of  trie  imses  for 
alarm  that  had  operated  so  powerfully  npon  themselves,  lb;  announced  with 
a  frank  look,  and  unfaltering  voice  everything  was  in  readiness  for  their  do- 
parture. 

The  officers  hesitated:  and  the  taller  fixed  his  eyes  upon  those  of  mine 
host,  as  if  his  gaze  would  have  penetrated  to  the  innermost  recesses  of  his 
heart.  Could  this  be  a  refinement  of  treachery  ?  and  was  he  really  ignorant 
of  the  existence  of  the  danger  which  threatened  them  ?  Was  it  not  more  pro- 
bable his  object  was  to  disarm  their  fears,  that  they  might  be  given  unpre- 
pared and,  therefore,  unresisting  victims  to  the  ferocity  of  their  enemies? 
Aware  as  he  was,  that  they  were  both  well  provided  with  arms,  and  fullj  de- 


\ 


M 


li:     W. 


I .  m 


:.i>i 


i.  ■■'■i 

i    \ 


m  -M 


II 


H' 


! 


86 


WAcorsTA.  oT?.  THF,  ri^opnTirT. 


terniinor]  to  uso  thorn  with  ofl'cct.  mftrlit  not  his  aim  be  to  flocoy  thom  to  (T(*- 
Kinictio'ii  without.  k'St  l\w  hlooii  spilt  under  his  roof,  in  tlic  desjici-ntion  of 
their  ([efencc.  should  lierent'ter  nttost  iifr:\inst  liini.  and  cx])o.;e  him  to  the  jniij- 
ishnient  he  would  so  richly  merit?  f)istr;ieted  l)y  these  douiits.  the  yonn^ 
men  scareoh'  knew  wliat  to  thiii'c  <u'  how  to  net  ;  nnd  anxious  as  thoy  had 
Iireviousl\  been  to  (put  the  Imt.  lliey  now  coum  lejvd  the  nioinent  of  tlieir 
doini^  so  would  lie  t)i;!t  of  f heir  destruction.  'I'hc  irnporttinee  of  the  enteipj'isc, 
on  whieli  they  wei'e  euih;irl<ed  Wiis  such  as  to  siuh  all  jiorsonal  considerations. 
If  they  ha,d  felt  the  influency  of  inliiuid;i'i(tn  on  tlieii'  spirits,  it  arose  less  (Voui 
any  apprehension  ofconscMpiences  to  theiuselves.  than  from  the  reeoliection  o!' 
t!ie  dearer  inteiests  invoJved  in  their  perfect  security  from  discov(>ry. 

"  Francois."  feeliu'vly  uracil  the  tiiller  oflicer.  ai:au\  a(kertin,<r  to  his  vow 
•'yon  recollect  the  ontli  yon  solemnly  jtled.sied  upon  the  cross  of  our  Saviour. 
Tell  me.  tlien.  as  you  hope  for  mercy,  have  yon  taken  tliat  oath  only  that  you 
ini'^ht  the  more  securely  he*,ray  us  to  our  enemies  ?  What  connec^tion  liave 
you  with  them  at  this  moi..ent  ?  and  who  is  he  wlio  stood  looking  throuj:>i 
that  window  not  ten  minutes  since?" 

'•  As  I  sIkiH  hope  for  mercy  in  my  God."  exchumed  the  Tanadian  witli  un- 
feiiiued  astonishment,  "  1  liiive  not  <ih>  iii-!pod\'.  I'ut  what  foi'  do  you  tiiik  so? 
It  is  notjast.     1  have  ^iven  my  oat  to  serve  you.  and  I  shall  do  it." 

There  was  eaiidor  hoth  in  tlie  tone  and  countenance  of  t)ie  man  as  lie  uf.ter- 
ed  t'use  wonls.  liulf  in  repi-oaeli,  ha.lf  in  justification;  and  the  oUicei's  no 
Son;i-er  douhted. 

"  Vou  must  f(>r'.'ivc  our  suspicions  at  a  moment  like  the  pn^sent."  sootlnndy 
ohserved  the  younger ;  ''yet.  Francois,  your  daudite]-  sa\v  and  exchanged  sig- 
nal^; with  the  person  wo  menu.  Slie  left  the  room  .soon  after  lie  made  liis  ap- 
pearance.    What  has  l)ccome  of  lier?" 

'J'he  Canadian  gave  a.  sudden  .'•tart,  looked  liastily  around,  and  .seemed  to 
perc  ive  for  tlie  lirst  time  the  gud  wus  al)sent.  He  then  put  a  finger  to  liis  lip 
to  (M.ioui  si]enc(\  advanced  to  llie  table  and  t'xtingui'^hed  the  light.  Desiring 
Ins  coiMnanions.  in  a  low  whisper,  to  tread  cautiously  aiid  follow,  he  now  led 
the  •  a\  >-ith  almost  noiseless  step  to  the  <  uti'ance  of  (he  Imt.  At  tlie  threshold 
of  toe  (|nor  \vvrc  placed  a  largo  and  well-iilled  ■<M'k.  a  light  mast  and  sail,  and 
half  a  do/,en  paddles.  'I'he  latter  Imrden  he  ilivided  hetweeii  the  ollicer.s.  on 
whose  shoulders  he  carefully  halaiK.-e<l  them.  The  sack  he  threw  across  his 
ow-i  ;  and.  without  expressin<r  even  a  regret  tliat  an  op])c.i'tunity  of  hii.Iinu 
ndita  to  his  child  was  denied  him.  hastily  skirled  the  jjalnig  of  tiie  orchard 
until,  at  the  fmllMT  extremity,  he  had  gained  the  high  road.  The  ^eavens 
were  o))scuied  by  passing  clouds  driven  rapidly  by  the  wind,  during  the  sliort 
|)au.ses  of  which  our  adventurers  anxiously  ai:.l  fre(]uently  tinned  to  listen  'f 
they  were  pursued.  Save  the  rustling  of  the  trees  that"  lined  the  road,  miv' 
\hf  slight  dashing  of  the  waters  on  the  beach,  however,  no  ,soimd  was  d!-,- 
lim:'uishal)l.>.  At  length  they  gained  th_'  point  whence  they  were  to  start.  Ii 
was  the  fat.al  bridge,  the  events  connedeii  with  which  were  yet  so  painfully 
fresh  in  their  recollection. 

'"  Stop  oil"  rninutesi  here."  whispp^-ed  Th<  Canadian,  ihr.'wing  hi«  r.u.ck  upon 
the  sanfl  near  the  mouth  of  the  le.s.ser  river  ;  "  my  canoe  is  chain  ;ibotit  twenty 
yards  np  de  bridge.  I  shall  come  to  you  directly."  'J'hen  cautioning  the  of- 
ficers to  keep  themselves  concealed  under  the  lu'ldgc.  he  moved  hastily  under 
the  archj  and  disappeared  in  the  dark  sluidow  which  it  threw  across  the' rivulet. 


WACOrSTA,  OTl,  THE  PROPHECY.  O^ 

The  extromitics  of  tho  bridjie  rested  on  the  V)aiiks  of  the  little  river  In  such 
a  manner  as  lo  leave  a  narrow  i)assa^e  alonj;  the  sands  innncdiately  under  tl»o 
dedination  of  the  areli.  In  accordance  wilh  the  caution  of  their  conductor,  tlio 
ollicers  had  placed  themselves  nn(h>r  it ;  and  with  their  backs  slightly  bent 
forward  to  im-ct  the  ciiivaiure  i>r  ihe  hr'idue.  so  that  no  ray  of  light  could  pasH 
between  tlieir  bodies  and  the  fahi'ic  itself  now  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  vessel 
on  which  their  only  hope  dej)en<le<h  We  shall  not  attempt  to  describe  their 
feelings  on  tin(hnu:  themselves,  at  that  lone  hour  of  the  night,  immediately  un - 
der  a  spot  rendered  reari'ully  meinoiable  by  the  tragic  occurrences  of  thu 
mornina:.  The  leiTil)le  pursuit  of  the  fugitive,  the  execution  of  the  soldier,  tho 
curse  and  proj)lieey  of  his  maniac  wife.  and.  above  all,  the  forcible  abduction 
and  threatened  esi)onsal  of  that  unhajjpy  woman  by  the  formidable  being  wIm» 
seeujed  to  have  identified  himself  with  the  evils  with  which  they  stood  menaced, 
— all  rushed  with  rapid  tracery  on  the  mind,  and  e.vt'ited  the  imagination,  un- 
til each,  tilled  with  a  sentiment  not  unallied  to  sni)erstitious  awe,  feared  to 
whisper  forth  his  thoughts,  lest  in  so  doing  he  slioidd  invoke  the  presence  of 
those  who  had  pi-incipally  figured  in  the  lian-owing  and  revolting  scene. 

"Did  you  not  hear  a  noise  ?"  at  length  whispered  the  elder,  as  he  leaned 
himself  foi  ward,  and  bent  his  head  to  the  sand,  to  catch  more  distinctly  a 
re])etition  of  the  sound. 

••  I  did  ;  there  again  !  It  is  upon  the  biidgc,  and  not  unlike  the  step  of  one 
endeavoring  to  tread  lightly.     It  may  i»e  some  wild  beast,  however." 

"  We  nnist  not  be  taken  by  suri)rise,"  returned  his  companion.  "If  it  bo 
a  man.  the  wary  tread  indicates  consciousness  of  our  presence.  If  an  animal. 
there  can  be  no  hiM'ui  in  settinir  oui-  fears  at  rest."  Cautiously  stealing  from 
his  lurking-place,  the  young  ollicer  emerged  into  the  open  sands,  and  in  a 
few  measured  noiseless  strides  gained  the  extremity  of  the  bridge.  The  dark 
shadow  of  something  upon  its  centi-e  caught  h's  eye,  and  a  low  sound  liku 
that  of  a  dog  lanping  met  his  ear.  While  his  gaze  yet  lingered  on  the  shape- 
less object,  endei)voiing  to  give  it  a  cliaiaC'M".  the  clouds  which  had  so  lon^; 
obscui'ed  it  pas.sed  momentarily  from  befou  tlie  moon,  and  disclosed  the  af>- 
palling  truth.  It  was  a  wolf-dog  lappoig-  up  from  the  earth,  in  which  they 
vere  encrusted,  the  blood  and  brains  of  the  unfortunate  Frank  Halloway. 

Sick  and  faint  at  the  di.'^gr.sting  sight,  the  younn'  'mm  rested  his  elbow  on 
:he  railing  that  passed  along  the  edge  of  the  biidge,  and,  leaning  his  head  oii 
lis  hand  for  a  moment,  forgot  the  risk  of  exjiosure  he  incurred,  in  the  in- 
tenseness  of  the  sorrow  that  assailed  bis  soul.  I  lis  heart  and  imagination 
were  already  far  from  the  s])ot  on  which  he  stood,  when  he  felt  an  iron  hand 
upon  his  .shoulder.  lie  tinned,  shuddering  with  an  instinctive  knowledge  of 
his  yet  un.seen  visitant,  and  beheld  standing  over  him  the  terrible  warrior  of 
the  Fleur  de  Lis. 

"  Ila.  ha,  ha  I"  laughed  the  .savage,  in  a  low  triumphant  tone,  "  the  place  of 
Dur  meeting  is  well  timed,  though  somewhat  singular,  it  must  be  confes.sed. 
Naj',"  he  liercely  added,  grasi)ing  as  in  a  vice  the  arm  that  was  already  lifted 
to  strike  hira,  ''  force  me  not  to  annihilate  you  on  the  spot.  Ha!  hear  you  the 
cry  of  my  wolf-dog?"  as  that  animal  now  set  up  a  Tow  but  fearful  howl ;  '•  ic 
'js  for  your  blood  he  a.sks,  but  your  hour  is  not  yet  come." 

•'  No,  by  heaven,  it  is  not ;"  exclaimed  a  voice ;  a  rapid  and  rushing  sweep 
was  heard  throu"h  the  air  for  an  instant,  and  then  a  report  like  a  stiuming 


a 


111 

■n 


•if 


88 


WACOUSTA,  OT7,  THE  rKOrilECY. 


'i    1 1 


m. 


Olow.  Tho  warrior  released  Ins  pro-sp — |i1:i(h<1  ]\]h  liaiul  upon  his  tomaTmwk, 
but  witliout  strcDL'th  to  iciiiove  it  from  liis  lult  tottered  u  p;ico  or  two  hack- 
ward< — and  tlien  fell,  utteriu!;  a  cry  of  mingled  pain  and  disai)]ioiiitiiK'nt,  at 
his  length  upon  tho  earth.  "Quick,  quick  to  your  cover!"  exclaimed  th« 
vourv  ntlif'^r  as  ?  Su,!  -lioo*,  was  now  lieaid  from  the  forest  in  i-eply  to  the 
yell  of  the  fallen  warrior,  ••  /f  Francois  come  not,  we  are  lost:  the  howl  of 
that  wolf-dog  alone  will  hctray  us,  even  if  his  maftcr  .should  he  heyond  all 
chau .(•  of  recovery." 

"  |)''sperate  diseases  require  desperate  remedies."  was  the  repl}' ;  "  there  is 
little  i-lory  in  destroying  a  helpless  enemy,  but  the  necessity  is  urgent,  and 
we  must  leave  nothing  to  eliaiice."  As  he  s])oke,  he.  knelt  ujton  the  huge 
form  of  the  senseless  warrior,  whose  sciiljjing  knife  he  drew  from  its  sheath, 
and  striking  a  firm  and  steady  hlow.  quitted  not  the  weapon  mitil  he  felt  his 
hand  reposing  on  the  chest  of  his  enemy.  The  howl  of  the  wolf-dog.  whose 
eyes  glarod  like  two  hnrniug  coals  through  the  surrounding  gloom,  was  now 
exchanged  to  a  ficice  and  snappish  hark.  lie  made  a  leap  at  the  otlicer  while 
in  the  act  of  rising  from  the  hody  ;  but  his  fangs  fastened  only  in  the  chesi 
of  the  shaggy  coat,  which  he  wi-ung  with  the  strength  and  fury  characteristi* 
of  his  peculiar  species.  This  new  and  ferocious  attrtck  was  fraught  with  dan 
ger  little  inferior  to  that  which  thev  had  just  escajied,  and  re(piired  the  nt 
most  promjititudo  of  action.  The  young  m.-iTi  seized  the  brute  ln-liiiid  tl'  j 
neck  in  a  firm  and  vigorous  grasp,  while  he  stooped  upon  the  motionless  for  j 
over  which  this  novel  struggle  was  maintained,  and  succeeded  in  making  liiM- 
self  once  more  master  of  the  .scal[)"iig  knife.  Half  choked  b}'  the  hand  tl  it 
unflinchingly  grap]iled  with  him.  the  savage  animal  quitted  his  hold  and  stn.g- 
gled  violently  to  iVee  himself.  This  was  the  critical  moment.  Thi'  off  -er 
drew  the  Ixvavy  sharp  blade,  from  the  handle  to  the  point,  across  tlie  thniat 
of  the  infuriated  beast,  with  a  force  that  divided  the  jn'ineipal  artery.  lie 
made  a  desperate  leap  upwards,  spouting  his  blood  over  his  destioyei,  and 
then  fell  gasping  across  the  body  of  his  master.  A  low  growl,  interuvu.gled 
with  faint  attempts  to  bark,  which  the  rapidly  o  zing  life  rendered  u.;mo  and 
more  indistinct,  succeeded  ;  and  at  length  nothing  but  a  gurgling  sciUid  wjia 
distinguishable. 

Meanwhile  the  anxious  and  harassed  oflRcers  had  regained  their  place  of 
concealment  under  the  bridge,  where  they  listened  with  suppressed  'veathing 
for  the  slightest  sound  to  indicate  the  approach  of  the  canoe.  At  inteivals 
they  fancied  they  could  heu*  a  noise  resembling  the  rippling  of  w*()i;r  again.st 
the  prow  of  a  liglit  vessel,  but  the  swelling  cries  of  a  band  of  lndi>..ii.s,  becotn- 
ing  at  every  instant  more  distinct,  were  too  unceasingly  kept  up  to  admit  i4 
their  judging  with  accuracy. 

They  now  began  to  give  them.sclves  up  for  lost  and  many  and  hitter  were 
the  curses  they  inwardly  bestowed  on  the  Canadian,  when  ciw.  outline  of  a 
.human  form  was  seen  advancing  along  the  .sands,  and  a  daik  ol/ject  u|>on  the 
vat  or.  It  was  their  conductor,  diagginj^  the  canoe  along,  witL  oJi  the  sr,-'ngth 
and  activity  of  wliicii  he  was  capable. 

'■  What  the  devil  have  you  been  about  all  this  this  time  Francois?"  ex- 
claimed the  taller  officer,  as  he  bounded  to  mejt  hira.  "  Qu/^k,  quick,  or  we 
shall  he  too  late.  Hear  you  not  the  hlood-h  lunds  on  theii  .sce:it?"  Tlien 
seizing  the  chain  in  his  handj  with  a  powerful  eiibrt  he  sent  the  canoe  %ing 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnEfT. 


go 


throii?,1i  tho  nrrli  to  the  very  entrance  of  the  river.  T1u»  1j  iivlens  that  "haa 
been  deposited  on  tlio  siinds  were  hastily  tlunj;  in.  tlie  oflin.'?/,  st«'|ijtinf!;  li^'htly 
after.  Tlie  CaDadiau  took  the  hehn,  directing  the  fiail  \o.-i.eI  almost  noise- 
lessly thronjzh  the  water,  and  witlj  sueh  veloeity.  thai  when  the  ery  of  tho 
disap|K)inte(l  sava<res  was  heard  resotjnding  from  the  Li'.dge,  it  liail  alieady 
gained  the  centre  of  the  Detroit. 


CHAPTER  XTI. 


1  ':i 


Two  days  ^id  sncoecded  tho  deymrtnrc  of  the  officers  from  the  fort,  bu* 
iinprod'.icl've  of  nnv  event  of  importance.     AVmnt  daybreak,  howerer,  on  th« 

iiDvniii.ij:  of  the  third,  the  harassed  {garrison  were  once  more  siuumoncd  to 
Mill-;  l>y  an  alarm  from  the  sentinels  planted  in  rear  of  the  works;  a  body  of 
111  linii<  tliey  had  traced  and  lost  at  intervals,  as  they  wound  alonj;  tlie  skirt 
1)1'  I  Ik-  t'oivst,  in  their  ])ro<;i('ss  (Voui  their  encampment,  were  at  lenj^th  devei- 
ipmji  liiemselves  in  force  nea>'  the  bomb-proof.  With  a  readiness  which  long 
t-xpeiieiice  and  watchlnlne.ss  had  rendered  in  sonuMleu,i'oe  hsibitnal  to  them, 
the  troops  Ik'iv  to  their  respective  postB  ;  while  a  few  of  the  .stiiior  ollicers, 
Aiiioiii;'  whom  was  the  <i;()venior.  hastened  to  the  ranjparts  to  ivconnoitre  the 
•strciitrlli  and  purpo.se  of  theii- enemies.  It  was  evident  that  the  views  of  these 
were  not  immediately  hostile;  for  neither  were  they  in  their  war  paint,  nor 
were  tluir  arms  of  a  de.sci'iption  to  carry  intimidation  to  a  disciplined  and 
((irtilii.'(l  soldiery.  Hows,  ai'rows.  tomahawks,  war  clubs,  spears,  and  scalpinj* 
knives,  constituted  their  warlike  eijuipments.  but  neither  ritle  nor  lire-arniH 
oi'  imy  kind  were  discernible.  Several  of  their  leaders.  distinf;uishal)le  by  a 
certain  h!iu,!.!;hty  carria;>e  and  commanding;  <:;estitMilation.  were  collected  within 
the  elevated  bomlnproof.  apparently  holdinj^  a  short  but  importa)it  conference 
apait  fiom  theii'  people,  ivurst  of  whom  stood  or  lay  in  picturesque  attitudes 
around  the  ruin.  These  al.so  had  adinrtinjr  spirit.  A  tall  and  noble  looking 
warrior,  wearing;  a  deer  skin  hunting;  frock  closely  girded  around  his  loins 
appeared  to  command  the  deference  of  his  collea,u,ues,  claiminji  profound  at- 
tention when  he  spoke  himself  and  manifesting;  his  a.ssent  or  dis.sent  to  t!ue 
apparently  exj)re,sbcd  opinions  of  the  lesser  chiefs  merely  by  a  slight  move 
nient  of  the  lu>ad. 

•  There  he  is  indeed !"  exclaimed  Captain  Erskine,  .speaking  a.s  one  who 
coiiuiumes  with  his  own  thoughts,  while  he  kept  his  telescope  levelled  on  the 
foi  111  <.'■  the  last  warrior;  '*  looking  just  as  noble  as  when,  three  yeurs  ago,  he 
i)p|i()sod  himself  to  the  progress  of  the  first  Engli.sh  detachment  that  had  ever 
peueLi'ated  to  this  part  of  the  world.  What  a  pity  such  a  fine  fellow  shouH 
ill'  so  desperate  and  determined  an  enemy  !" 

True :  you  were  with  Major  Rogers  on  that  expedition,"  observed  the  go- 
vernor, "I  have  often  heard  him  speak  of  it.  You  had  many  difficulties  to 
fortend  against,  if  I  recollect."  "'  We  had  indeed,  sir,"  retiu-ned  the  frank- 
iieaited  Erskine,  dropping  the  glass  from  his  eye.  "  So  many,  in  fact,  that 
more  than  once,  in  the  course  of  our  progress  through  the  wilderness,  did  I 
wish  myself  ai  Uead-ciuarters  with  my  company.    Never  shall  1  forget  the 


ifti 


m 


I;  ll 


■  1  •:  -.  E 


f! 


HO 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  TTIK  rroMIECT. 


proud  nnd  dotorintncMl  expression  of  Poutcac's  countenanco,  wT.cn  Tie  told  Ko- 
gcrs.  in  his  li,L:;ur;\tivc  lan^iiap;c,  '  lie  stood  in  the  p;ith  in  which  he  travelled.'" 

"  TliJink  heaven,  he  at  least  stands  not  in  the  path  in  which  others  travel," 
musinj;ly  rijoined  the  governor.  "  'nit  what  sudden  movement  is  that  w  ilh- 
in  I'he  ruin  ?" 

■  The  Indians  are  prcparinj;  to  show  a  white  flag,"  shouted  an  artillery'  man 
from  liis  station  in  one  of  the  enil)rasurcs  helow. 

The  jiovernorand  liisoliicers  received  this  intolliirence  witliout  surprise:  the 
former  took  the  |i;lass  from  Captjiin  Krskino.  and  coolly  raised  it  to  his  e\  e. 
I'he  ronsultation  had  ceased;  and  the  several  chiefs,  were  now  seen  (piittiii^ 
the  l)omi)-proof  to  join  their  re.^iectives  trihes.  One  of  those  remained, 
pjirang  upon  an  elevated  fiaj;iiieiit  of  tlie  ruin,  and  uttered  a  pi'oloii<;ed  cry. 
tlio  puri)oit  of  which. — and  it  was  fully  uiKlerstocxl  from  its  peculiar  nature, 
—was  to  claim  attention  from  the  fort.  lie  then  received  from  the  hands  of 
the  other  chief  a  lonj;  spear,  to  the  en<l  of  which  was  attached  a  piece  of  white 
linen.  This  he  waved  si-veral  times  above  iiis  head  ;  then  stuck  the  harb  of 
the  spear  (irmly  into  the  jirojectinfj:  fra;:ment.  Quitting  his  elevated  station 
he  next  stood  at  the  side  of  the  Otti-.wa  cliii'f,  who  had  already  assumed  tho 
air  and  attitude  of  on<'  wailing  to  observe  in  what  manner  his  signal  would 
be  received. 

"  A  flag  of  truce  in  all  its  hearings,  by  .T)ipiter  !"  remarked  Captain  Er.skine 
'  Ponteac  seems  to  have  accpiiied  a  lev    lessons  since  \ve  first  met." 

•'  This  i»  evidently  the  suggestion  of  k;ome  European."  observed  Maio' 
Blackwnter;  "for  how  could  ho  understand  anything  of  the  nature  of  a 
white  flag  7     Sotue  of  these  vile  spies  have  put  him  up  to  this." 

" 'J'rue  enough.  Hlackwater;  and  they  appear  to  have  found  an  infclliirent 
pupil."  observed  Captain  ^\'entworth.  '•  I  w.is  curions  toknow^  how  he  would 
make  the  attempt  to  appro:ich  us;  but  certainly  never  once  dreamt  of  hi.s 
having  recour.se  to  so  civilizecl  a  method.  Their  plot  works  well,  no  doubt ; 
still  we  have  the  counter-plot  to  opp])ose  to  it." 

"We  mtist  foil  them  with  the  r  own  weapons."  rcmfirked  tho  governor, 
■'  even  if  it  be  only  "vith  a  view  to  gain  time.  Wentworth.  desire  one  of  your 
bombardiers  to  hoist  the  Fn>ncli  fl.ig  on  the  staff."  The  order  was  promptly 
obeyed.  The  Indians  made  a  sinuiltaneous  movement  expressive  of  tln'ir  sii- 
tisfaction  ;  and  in  the  course  of  a  minute,  the  tall  warrior,  accompanied  by 
nearly  a  dozen  inferior  chiefs,  was  seen  slowly  advancing  across  the  common 
towards  the  group  of  oflicers. 

'•  AVliat  generous  confidence  the  fellow  has  for  an  Indian  !"  observed  Captain 
Er.skine,  who  could  not  dis.senible  his  admiration  of  the  warrior.  "  He  steps 
as  firmly  and  as  proudly  within  reach  of  our  musket.s,  as  if  he  was  leading  in 
the  war-dance." 

"  IIow  strange,"  mused  Captain  Ble.ssington,  "  that  one  who  meditates  so 
deep  a  titachery,  .should  have  no  apprehension  of  it  in  others  !'' 

"  It  is  a  compliment  to  the  honor  of  our  Hag,"  observed  the  governor 
"  which  it  must  be  our  interest  to  encourage.  If,  as  you  say,  Ei'skinc,  the  man 
is  really  endowed  with  generosity,  the  result  of  this  afl'air  will  assuredly  call 
it  forth." 

"  If  it  prove  otherwise,  sir,"  was  the  reply,  ''we  must  only  attribute  his 
perseverance  io  the  influence  which  that  terrible  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Liii 
IS  said  to  exercise  over  his  better  feelings.    By  the  by,  I  see  nothing  of  him 


1  an  artillery  man 


"  observed  Cfiptain 
irrior.     "  He  sicps 


who  meditates  so 


WACOrSTA,  OP,  THK  I'KOI'IlKrY.  r^\ 

nmoTiT  this  fln<r  of  truce  jmrty.  Tt  could  scaroely  be  railed  a  violation  of  faitli 
1(1  cut  oil"  ff\H']\  a  rnsenlly  reneiinde.  Were  lie  of  the  iiiiuiIkt  of  those  ad- 
Viiiiciii)-'.  and  Viilhtoit's  rille  wilhin  my  reiuh,  1  know  not  what  use  1  mii;hl 
not  In-  Icmpti'd  to  luuke  of  the  last." 

I'lior  Ki'-kinf'  was  siiifrnlnvly  iureli''ifoti«!  in  tonehinrr.  and  evor  nnconsriouslv, 
(III  a  suhjecl  sure  lo  ::ivi'  |i.hii  id  iiitirc  liiuii  one  ol  his  liiniher  oflircrs.  A 
I'liiiid  passed  over  the  hrow  of  the  ^itvcrnor.  Inn  il  was  one  that  orifruiatcd 
mere  in  sonow  than  in  anjier.  NeillHT  had  ht-  tiiiu'  to  linircr  on  the  jtaiiilid 
recollections  hastily  and  eonriisedly  called  up  Ity  tli''  utlusion  ina'le  to  this  loi 
iiiidal)li'  and  tiiyslcridtis  lieinu'.  for  llie  atlention  of  all  was  now  ahsorlicd  liv 
(he  ajtpinachin;,''  Indians.  With  a  l>(;ld  anil  ( ()nlidin<;  catria^^e  the  fieree  I'oii- 
toiu;  iiiDved  at  llu-  head  of  his  liltlc  |):irty.  nor  hA.'sitated  one  nioinciit  in  Ins 
coiii'sf  until  he  'zot  near  the  hrink  of  the  ditch,  and  stood  face  to  faiT  with  the 
ptveinor.  at  a  dislaneo  that  pave  hoth  parlies  not  only  the  facility  of  tt  acinic 
the  expression  of  each  other's  features,  hut  of  convcrsin};  without  ellnit. 
There  lie  made  a  siiddiii  stand,  and  tin 'islinii'  his  spear  into  the  earth,  as- 
siiUK'd  an  attitude  as  devoid  of  apprehension  as  if  he  had  been  in  the  lu'iut  of 
h:.-  own  cncamiitnent. 

••i\!y  father  has  niiderslood  my  Kip:n."  said  the  han^lity  chief.  The  war- 
riors of  n  dozen  tiihes  arc  i'ar  hohind  the  path  the  Ottawa  chief  ha^.  jnsT 
tiavelled  ;  but  when  the  I'ed  >kin  corner  imarnied.  the  hand  of  the  SapaiiMW 
i'-  lied  beliind  his  back." 

'  The  stHHio;  hold  of  the  S;T;znnaw  is  his  safccnard,''  replied  the  covcrnor. 
ad'^jitinu;  tlu!  lanj-Miaue  of  the  liulian.  '"  When  the  enemies  of  his  preat  father 
e(>iiie  in  sti'enf^tli.  he  kiunvs  how  to  disperse  theni  ;  but  w  hen  a  wairioj'  throws 
himself  unarmed  into  his  jiower.  he  n-speets  his  confidence;,  and  his  arms  han;^' 
riistiii'j;  at  his  side." 

"  'flie  talk  of  my  father  is  bip."  replied  'he  warrior,  with  a  sco -nful  expres- 
W>n  that  seomed  to  donlit  the  fact  of  so  nii'ch  indiil'ercrcc  as  to  himself;  "  biM 
when  it  is  a  iiireal  chivf  who  directs  liie  nations,  and  that  ( liicf  his  sworn  eno 
rnv.    he  ttniptaMon  to  il|i'  Sa'raiiMW  mav  be  strouL;." 

•The  Sajranaw  is  without  fe.ar."  cinjihatically  rejoi  icd  the  povemor;  '  ht; 
in  strong-  in  his  own  honor;  and  he  would  rather  die  under  the  tomal»a«  k  of 
the  red  skin,  tlian  jirccni'e  a  jK'ace  l)y  an  act  of  ti'eachery." 

'fhe  Indian  paused;  cold,  calm  looks  of  intelli;_;,('nce  passed  between  iiim 
ftnd  Ins  followers,  and  a  lew  indistinct  and  guttural  sentences  were  exchanged 
amoni;-  themselves. 

"  liut  our  father  asks  not  why  our  mocassins  have  briished  the  dew  iVom 
olf  the  common,"  resumed  the  chief ;  *•  r.nd  yet  it  is  loop;  since  the  Sa;.'anaw  and 
the  red  skin  have  spoken  to  each  other,  except  through  the  war  whoop.  M  v 
fatlier  )nust  woudor  to  sec  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  without  the  halcliet 
in  his  hand." 

"  The  hatchet  often  wounds  those  who  use  it  nnslvilf!ill\ ,"  camly  retiin.ed 
the  governor.  "The  Sapanaw  is  not  blind.  The  Ottawas  and  the  other 
trihes  find  the  war  paint  heavy  on  their  skins.  They  see  that  my  yonnjr  men 
ire  not  to  be  conquered,  and  they  have  .sent  the  great  head  of  ail  "the  nation.s 
to  sue  for  peace." 

In  spite  of  the  habitual  reserve  and  self-po.sscssion  of  his  race,  the  haughty 
warrior  could  not  repress  a  movement  of  impatience  at  the  bold  and  taunting 
language  of  his  enemy,  and  for  a  moment  there  was  a  fire  in  his  eye  tha-'  •-  ^d 


l;*i 


^    I    'i^ 
i    Ih'il 


Hi] 


i 


'■;  I 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


A 


i/. 


Za 
M 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


1.8 


U    IIIIII.6 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)872-4503 


92 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


how  wIfUngly  he  would  have  washed  away  the  insult  in  his  blood.  The  same 
low  guttural  exclamations  that  previously  escaped  their  lips,  marked  the  sense 
entertained  of  the  remark  by  his  companions. 

"  My  father  is  right,"  pursued  the  diief,  resuming  liis  self-command  ;  "  the 
Ottawas  and  the  otiier  tribes  ask  for  pcaro.  but  not  bcr-nnse  they  are  afraid 
of  war.  When  they  strike  the  hatchet  into  the  war  post,  they  leave  it  there 
until  their  enemies  a.sk  them  to  take  it  out." 

'*  Why  come  they  now,  then,  to  ask  for  peace  ?"  was  the  codI  demand. 
The  warrior  hesitated,  evidently  at  a  loss  to  give  a  reply  that  could  reconcile 
tlie  palpable  contradiction  of  his  words,  "  The  rich  furs  of  our  forests  have 
be<ome  many,"  he  at  length  observed,  " since  we  first  took  up  the  hatchet 
against  the  Saganaw ;  and  every  bullet  we  keep  for  our  enemies  is  a  loss  to 
our  trade.  We  once  exchanged  furs  with  the  children  of  our  father  of  the 
pale  flag.  They  gave  us,  in  return,  guns,  blankets,  powder,  ball,  and  all 
that  the  red  man  requires  in  the  hunting  season.  These  are  all  expended ; 
and  my  young  men  would  deal  with  the  Saganaw  as  they  did  with  the 
Freut;h." 

•  (Jood ;  the  red  skins  would  make  peace ;  and  althougli  the  arm  of  the 
Savanaw  is  strong,  he  will  not  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  their  desire." 

•■  All  the  strongholds  of  the  Saganaw,  except  two,  have  fallen  before  tlic 
great  chief  of  the  Ottawas !"  proudly  returned  the  Indian,  with  a  look  of 
mingled  scorn  and  defiance.  "  They,  too,  thought  then>selves  be3'ond  tlie 
rearh  of  our  tomahawks ;  they  were  deceived.  In  lens  than  a  single  moon 
nme  of  them  have  fallen,  and  the  tents  of  my  young  warriors  are  darkened 
with  their  scalps;  but  this  is  pa.st.  If  the  red  skin  asks  for  peace,  it  is  be- 
cause he  is  tired  of  seeing  the  blood  of  the  Saganaw  on  his  tomahawk.  Does 
my  father  hear  ?" 

''  We  will  listen  to  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  and  hear  what  he  has  to 
MX."  returned  the  governor,  who,  as  well  as  the  officers  at  his  side,  could  with 
ditficidty  conceal  their  disgust  aixl  sorrow  at  the  dreadful  intelligence  thus 
imparted  of  the  fates  of  their  companions.  "  But  pea<*e."  he  pursued  with 
disrnity,  "  can  orly  be  made  in  the  council-room,  and  under  the  sacred  ple<l<ie 
of  the  calumet.  The  great  chief  has  a  wampum  belt  on  his  shoulder,  and  a 
calumet  in  his  hand.  His  aged  warriors,  too,  are  at  his  side.  What  says  the 
Ottawa  ?  Will  he  enter  I  If  so,  the  gate  of  the  Saganaw  shall  be  oi>en  to 
hun."  The  warrior  started  ;  and  for  a  moment  the  confidence  that  had  hith- 
erto (Hstinguished  him  seemed  to  give  place  to  an  apprehension  of  meditated 
treachery.  He,  however,  speedily  mjovered  himself,  and  observed  emphati- 
*ilv.  '  It  is  the  great  head  of  all  the  nations  whom  my  fat'er  invited  to  the 
council  seat.  Were  he  to  remain  in  the  hards  of  the  Saganaw.  Im*  voiuia 
men  would  lose  their  strength.  They  would  bury  the  hatchet  for  ever  in 
despair,  and  hide  their  faces  in  the  laps  of  their  women.*' 

"  Does  the  Ottawa  chief  see  the  pale  flag  on  the  stronghold  of  his  enemies  t 
While  that  continues  to  fly  he  is  safe  as  if  he  were  under  the  cover  of  his 
wwn  wigwam.  If  the  Saganaw  could  use  guile  like  the  fox,  (and  this  was 
said  with  marked  emphasis,)  what  should  prevent  him  from  cutting  off  the 
Ottawa  and  his  chiefs,  even  where  they  now  stand  ?"  A  half  smile  of  derision 
passed  over  the  dark  che»k  of  the  Indian.  "  If  the  arm  of  the  Ottawa  is 
■trong,"  he  said,  "  his  foot  is  not  less  swift.    The  short  guns  of  the  chiefe  of 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  TUE  PROPHECY. 


98 


the  Sanpanaw  (pointing  to  the  pistols  of  the  officers)  could  not  reach  us ; 
a/id  before  the  voice  of  our  father  could  be  raised,  or  his  eye  turned,  to  call 
liiH  warriors  to  his  side,  the  Ottawa  would  be  alrea<ly  far  on  his  way  to  the 
forest." 

"  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  shall  judge  better  of  the  Saganaw,"  re- 
turned the  governor.  "  lie  shall  see  that  his  young  men  are  ever  watchful  at 
their  posts : — Up,  men,  and  show  yourselves.^'  A  second  or  two  sufficed  to 
bring  the  whole  of  Captain  Erskine's  company,  who  had  been  lying  fiat  on 
th"ir  fates,  to  their  feet  on  the  rampart.  The  Indians  were  evidently  Uikcn 
by  surprise,  though  they  evinced  no  fear.  The  low  and  guttural  "  ugh ! " 
w'as  the  only  expression  they  gave  to  their  astonishment,  not  unmingled  with 
admiration. 

lint,  .although  the  chiefs  preserved  their  presence  of  mind,  the  sudden  ap- 
pearance of  the  soldiers  had  excited  alarm  among  their  warriors,  who,  groujM-d 
in  and  aroimd  the  bomb-proof,  were  watching  every  movement  of  the  confer- 
ring parties,  with  an  interest  proportioned  to  the  risk  they  conceived  their 
licad  men  had  incurre<i  in  venturing  under  the  very  walls  of  their  enemies. 
Fierce  yells  were  uttered ;  and  more  than  a  hundred  dusky  warriors,  brand- 
isliing  their  tomahawks  in  air,  leaped  along  the  skirt  of  the  common,  evidently 
only  awaiting  the  signal  of  their  great  chief,  to  advance  and  cover  his  reti-i.-at. 
At  the  command  of  the  governor,  however,  the  men  hsid  again  suddenly  dis- 
appeared from  the  surface  of  the  rampart ;  so  that  when  the  Indians  finally 
perceived  their  leader  stood  unharmed  and  unmolested,  on  the  spot  ne  hall 
previously  occupied,  the  excitement  died  away,  and  they  once  more  assumed 
their  attitude  of  profound  attention. 

"  What  thinks  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  now  ?"  asked  the  governor; — 
did  he  imagine  that  the  young  white  men  lie  sleeping  like  beavers  in  their 
dams,  when  the  hunter  sets  his  traps  to  catch  them  ?— di«l  he  imagine  that 
they  foresee  not  the  designs  of  their  enemies?  and  that  they  are  not  always 
on  the  watch  to  prevent  them  ?" 

"  My  father  is  a  great  warrior,"  returned  the  Indian  ;  "  and  if  his  arm  is 
full  of  strength,  his  head  is  full  of  wisdom.  The  chiefs  will  no  longer  hesitate; 
— they  will  enter  the  stronghold  of  the  Sagsinaw,  and  sit  with  him  in  the 
council."  He  next  addressed  a  few  words,  and  in  a  language  not  understood 
by  those  upon  the  waiiS,  to  one  of  the  younger  of  the  Indians.  The  latter  ac- 
knowledged his  sense  and  approbation  of  what  was  said  to  him  by  an  assen- 
tient  and  expressive  "  ugh !"  which  came  from  his  chest  without  anj'  apparent 
motion  of  the  lips,  much  in  the  manner  of  a  modern  ventriloquist.  He  then 
hastened,  with  rapid  and  lengthened  boundings,  across  the  common  towards 
his  band.  After  the  lapse  of  a  minute  or  two  from  reaching  them,  another 
simultaneous  cry  arose,  differing  in  expression  from  any  that  had  hither*. 3 
been  heard.  It  was  one  denoting  submission  to  the  will,  and  compliance  with 
Bome  conveyed  desire,  of  their  superior. 

"  Is  the  g.ite  of  the  Sagantiw  open  ?"  asked  the  latter,  as  soon  as  his  ear  had 
been  greeted  with  the  cry  we  have  just  named.  "  The  Ottawa  and  the  other 
great  chiefs  are  ready; — their  hearts  arc  bold,  and  they  throw  themselves  into 
the  hands  of  the  Saganaw  without  fear." 

'^  The  Ottawa  chief  knows  the  path,"  drily  rejoined  the  governor :  "  when 


1 


'M  I 


94 


WACOUSTA,  Ul.,  'ilii:  riMUECY. 


'H 


i'^.^ 


5     f 


4«  comes  in  peace,  it  is  ever  oiu-n  to  him  ;  but  when  his  yotmp;  men  pi  ess  it 
with  the  tomahawk  in  their  himds,  the  bi^'  thunder  is  roused  to  anger,  mid 
they  are  scattered  away  Hke  the  leaves  of  the  forest  in  the  storm.  Even  now." 
he  pursued,  as  the  httfe  band  of  Indians  moved  slowly  round  tlie  walls,  ''  the 
gate  of  the  Saganaw  oi)ens  for  the  Ottawa  and  the  other  chiefs." 

"Let  the  most  vigilant  caution  be  used  everywhere  alonp;  the  works,  but 
especially  in  the  rear,"  continued  the  governor,  addressing  (.'aptain  Blessing- 
ton,  on  whom  the  duty  of  the  day  had  devolved.  "  We  are  .safe,  while  thi'ir 
chiefs  are  with  us-;  but  still  it  will  be  necessary  to  watch  the  forest  closely. 
We  cannot  be  too  much  on  our  guard,  llie  men  had  better  remain  concctiled, 
every  twentieth  file  only  standing  up  to  form  a  look-out  chain.  If  any  move- 
ment of  a  suspicious  nature  be  observed,  let  it  bo  communicated  by  the  dis- 
charge of  a  single  musket,  that  the  drawbridge  may  be  raised  on  the  instant." 
With  the  delivery  of  these  brief  instructions  he  quitted  the  rampart  with  tlie 
majority  of  his  officers.  Meanwhile,  hasty  preparations  had  been  made  in  the 
mess-room  to  receive  the  chiefs.  The  tables  had  been  removed,  and  a  number 
of  clean  rush  mats,  manufactured  after  the  Indian  man»ei-,  into  various  ligui-es 
and  devices,  spread  carefully  on  the  floor.  At  the  further  end  from  the  en- 
trance was  placed  a  small  table  and  chair,  covered  with  scarlet  cloth.  Thia 
was  considerably  elevated  above  the  surface  of  the  floor,  and  intended  for  the 
governor.  On  either  side  of  the  room  near  these,  were  ranged  a  number  of 
chairs  for  the  accommodation  of  the  inferior  officers. 

Miijor  Blackwater  received  the  chiefs  at  the  gate.  With  a  firm,  proud  step, 
rendered  more  confident  by  his  very  unwillingness  to  betray  anything  like 
fear,  the  tall,  and,  as  Captain  Erskine  had  justly  designated  him,  the  noble- 
looking  Ponteac  trod  the  yielding  planks  that  might  in  the  next  moment  cut 
him  oft"  from  his  people  for  ever.  The  other  chiefs,  following  thee  xample  of 
their  leader,  evinced  the  same  easy  fearlessness  of  demeanor,  nor  glanced  on('Q 
behind  them  to  sec  if  there  was  anything  to  justify  the  apprehension  of  hidden 
danger. 

The  Ottawa  was  evidently  mortified  at  not  being  received  by  the  governor 
ia  person.  "  My  father  is  not  here !"  he  said  fiercely  to  the  major : — "  how  ia 
this  ?  The  Ottawa  and  the  other  chief  are  kings  of  all  their  tribes.  The  head 
of  one  great  people  should  be  receired  only  by  the  head  of  another  great 
people !" 

"  Our  father  sits  in  the  council-hall,"  returned  the  major.  "  He  has  taken 
his  seat  that  he  may  receive  the  warriors  with  becoming  honor.  But  I  am 
the  .second  chief,  and  our  father  has  sent  me  to  receive  them."  To  the  proud 
spirit  of  the  Indian  this  explanation  scarcely  sufficed.  For  a  moment  he  seemed 
to  struggle,  as  endeavoring  to  stifle  bis  keen  sense  of  an  affront  put  upon  him. 
At  length  he  nodded  his  head  haughtily  and  condescendingly,  in  token  of  assent; 
and  gathering  up  his  noble  form,  and  swelling  out  his  chest,  as  with  a  view  to 
strike  terror  as  well  as  admiration  into  the  hearts  of  those  by  whom  he  ex- 
pected to  be  surrounded,  stalked  majestically  forward  at  the  head  of  his  con- 
federates. 

An  indifferent  observer,  or  one  ignorant  of  these  people,  would  have  been 
at  fault ;  but  those  who  understood  the  workings  of  an  Indian's  spirit  could 
not  have  been  deceived  by  the  tranquil  exterior  of  these  men.  The  rapid,  ke(ui, 
ftiiji  lively  glance — the  suppressed  sneer  of  exultation — the  half  s^art  of  sur- 


iWACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


95 


pnse— the  low,  giitteral,  and  almost  inaudible  "uf^h!"— all  these  fndicated 
the  eagerness  with  which,  at  one  sly  but  compendious  view,  they  embraced 
the  whole  interior  of  a  fort  which  it  was  of  such  vital  importance  to  their  future 
interests  they  should  become  possessed  of,  yet  which  they  had  so  iong  and  so 
unsuccessfully  attempted  to  subdue.  A:,  they  advanced  into  the  square,  they 
looked  around,  expecting  to  behold  the  full  array  of  their  enemies ;  but,  to 
their  atonishment,  not  a  soldier  was  to  be  seen.  A  few  women  and  children 
only,  in  whom  curiosity  had  overcome  a  natural  loathing  and  re])ugn;ince  to 
the  savac^,  were  peepmg  f^»«m  the  windows  o£  the  block-houses.  Even  at  a 
'nomei  t  like  the  present,  the  fierce  ivstimt  of  these  latter  was  not  to  be  con 
trolled.  One  of  the  children,  terrified  at  the  wild  appearance  of  the  wumors, 
ficreamcd  violently,  and  clung  to  the  bosom  of  its  mother  for  protection.  Fired 
at  the  s)und,  a  young  chief  raised  his  hand  to  his  lips,  and  was  about  to  pea' 
rontx  his  terrible  war  wlioop  in  the  centre  cf  the  fort,  when  the  eye  of  the 
Ottawa  suddenly  arrested  him. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


m."     To  the  proud 


There  were  few  forms  of  courtesy  observed  by  the  wairiors  towards  the 
English  officers  on  entering  the  council  room.  Ponteac,  who  had  collected  all 
his  native  haughtiness  into  one  proud  expression  of  look  and  figure,  strode  in 
Tithout  taking  the  slightest  notice  even  of  the  governor.  The  other  chiefs 
mitated  his  example,  and  all  took  their  seats  upon  the  matting  in  the  order  pre- 
scribed by  their  rank  among  the  tribes,  and  their  experience  in  council.  The 
Ottawa  chief  sat  at  the  near  extremity  of  the  room,  and  immediately  facing 
the  governor.  A  profound  silence  was  observed  for  some  minutes  after  the 
Indians  had  seated  themselves,  during  which  they  proceeded  to  fill  their  pipes. 
The  handle  of  that  of  the  Ottawa  chief  was  decorated  with  numerous  feathers 
fancifully  disposed. 

"  This  is  well,"  at  length  observed  the  governor.  "  It  is  long  since  the  great 
chiefs  of  the  nations  have  smoked  the  sweet  grass  in  the  council-hall  of  the 
Saganaw.  What  have  they  to  say,  that  their  young  men  may  have  peace  to 
hunt  the  beaver,  and  to  leave  the  print  of  their  mocassins  in  the  country  of 
the  buffalo?    What  says  the  Ottawa  chief?" 

"  The  Ottawa  chief  is  a  great  warrior,"  returned  the  other,  haughtily ;  and 
again  repudiating,  in  the  indomitableness  of  his  pride,  the  very  views  that  a 
more  artful  policy  had  first  led  him  to  avow.  "  He  has  already  sa,id  that, 
within  a  single  moon,  nine  of  the  strongholds  of  the  Saganaw  have  fallen  into 
his  hands,  and  that  the  scalps  of  the  white  men  fill  the  tents  of  his  warriors. 
If  the  red  skins  wish  for  peace,  it  is  because  they  are  sick  with  spilling  the 
blood  of  their  enemies.     Does  my  father  hear  ?" 

"  The  Ottawa  has  been  cunning  like  the  fox,"  camly  returned  the  governor. 
•'  He  went  with  deceit  on  his  lips,  and  said  to  the  great  chiefs  of  the  strong- 
holds of  the  Saganaw,—'  You  h.ave  no  more  forts  upon  the  lakes ;  they  have 
all  fallen  before  the  red  skins :  they  gave  themselves  into  our  hands ;  and  we 
spared  their  lives,  and  sent  them  down  to  the  great  to\yns  near  the  salt  lake ' 


&  I 

a  :    ■ 


■■M 


4 

m 


fv  »V. 


96 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECT. 


I     •:■' 


ill 


I      I 


But  this  was  flilse :  the  chiefs  of  the  Sa*ranaws  beh'evi'ng  what  was  said  to 
them,  gave  up  their  Htrong  holds ;  but  their  lives  were  not  spared,  and  the 
grass  of  the  Uanadas  is  yet  moist  with  their  blood.  Does  the  Ottawa  hear  ?" 
Amazement  and  stupefaction  sat  for  a  nionicnt  on  tlic  features  of  the  Indi- 
ans. The  fact  was  as  had  been  stated  ;  and  yet.  so  completely  had  the  several 
forts  been  cut  off  from  all  comnuuiication.  it  was  deemed  almost  impossible 
one  could  have  received  tidinj>s  of  the  faie  of  the  other,  unless  con /eyed 
through  the  Indians  themselves. 

'•'The  spies  of  the  Saj^anaw  have  been  very  (iiiick  to  esca])e  the  vi<;i1an<'r-  of 
the  red  skins."  at  leigth  replied  the  Ottawa ;  ••yet  they  have  letnrned  with 
a  lie  uporf  their  lips.  I  swear  by  the  Great  S])int.  that  nine  of  the  str.<nK- 
holds  of  the  Snganaw  have  been  destroyed,  llow  could  the  Ottawa  go  with 
deceit  upon  his  lips,  when  his  words  were  truth  ?" 

"  Wlien  the  red  skins  said  so  to  the  warriors  of  the  last  forts  they  tooic, 
they  said  true ;  but  when  they  went  to  the  first,  and  said  that  all  the  rest  had 
Tallen,  they  used  deceit.  A  great  nation  should  overcome  their  enemies  like 
frarriors,  and  not  seek  to  beguilo  ^i\em  with  th:'a*  t)ngues  under  the  edprc  of 
the  Rcalpingr  knife !" 

"  Why  did  the  Saganaw  come  into  the  coup  try  of  the  red  skins  ?  haughtily 
demanded  the  chief.  "  Why  did  they  take  our  hunting  gronndi,  from  us  1 
Wh,\  have  the}'^  strong  places  encircling  th^  country  of  the  Indians,  like  a 
oelt  of  wampum  round  the  waist  of  a  warrior?" 

"  This  is  not  true,"  rqjoined  the  governor.  "  It  was  not  the  Saganaw.  b,.t 
the  v^arriors  of  the  pale  flag,  who  first  cmie  and  took  away  the  himtinj; 
erounds,  and  built  the  strong  places.  The  great  father  of  the  Saganaw  hml 
beaten  the  great  father  of  the  pale  flag  quite  out  of  the  CanadavS,  and  he  sent 
his  young  men  to  take  their  place  and  to  make  peace  with  the  red  skins,  and 
to  trade  with  them,  and  to  call  them  brothers.." 

"  The  Saganaw  was  false,"  retorted  the  Indian.  "  When  a  chief  of  the 
Saganaw  came  for  the  first  time  with  his  warriors  into  the  country  of  the 
Ottawas.  the  chief  of  the  Ottawas  stood  in  his  path,  and  a.sked  him  why,  and 
from  whom  he  came  ?  That  chief  was  a  bold  warrior,  and  his  heart  was 
open,  and  the  Ottawa  liked  him  ;  and  when  he  said  he  came  to  be  friemlly 
with  the  red  skins,  the  Ottawa  believed  him,  and  he  shook  him  by  the  h;\\\'\, 
and  said  to  his  young  men,  '  Touch  not  the  life  of  a  Saganaw ;  for  their  chief 
is  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  and  his  young  men  shall  be  the  friends  of 
the  red  warriors.'  Look,"  he  proceeded,  marking  his  sense  of  the  discoviry 
hy  another  of  those  ejaculatory  "  ughs !"  so  expressive  of  surprise  in  an  In- 
dmn,  "at  the  right  hand  of  my  father  I  see  a  chief,"  pointing  to  Caphiin 
Erskine,  "  who  came  with  those  of  the  Saganaw  who  first  entered  the  count ly 
of  the  Detroit ; — ask  that  chief  if  what  the  Ottawa  says  is  not  true.  Wheii 
the  Saganaw  said  he  came  only  to  remove  the  warriors  of  the  pale  flag,  that 
he  might  be  friendly  and  trade  with  the  red  skins,  the  Ottawa  received  the 
belt  of  wampum  he  offered,  and  smoked  the  pipe  of  peace  with  him,  ami  he 
made  his  men  bring  bags  of  parched  corn  to  his  warriors  who  wanted  food, 
and  he  sent  to  all  the  nations  on  the  lakes,  and  said  to  them,  '  The  Saganaw 
must  pass  unhurt  to  the  strong  hold  on  the  Detroit.'  Hut  for  the  Ottawa, 
not  a  Saganaw  would  have  escaped  ;  for  the  nati(Mis  were  thirsting  for  their 
blood,  and  the  knives  of  the  warriors  were  eager  to  open  their  scalps.  Ask 
the  chief  who  sits  at  the  right  hand  of  my  flvthcr,"  he  again  energetically  re* 


11, 


lat  was  said  to 
spared,  and  tho 
3  Ottawa  hear  ?» 
ires  of  tho  Indi- 
Y  had  the  several 
most  hnpossibl© 
unless  conveyed 

;  the  vi<;ilan(>f-  of 
re  u'tinnicd  with 
le  of  the  s^-inR- 
i  Utt^iwa  go  with 


v^;  for  their  cliiif 

be  the  friends  <»f 

i  of  the  discovery 

mrprise  in  an  I  n- 

inting  to  Captain 

tered  the  country 

not  true.     Whin 

the  pale  Hag,  tlmt 

awa  received  tin* 

nth  him,  and  lie 

rt'bo  wanted  food. 

n,  '  The  Saganaw 

t  for  the  Ottawa, 

hirsting  for  their 

leir  scalps.    Ask 

energetically  re- 


WAeOUfTA,  01,  THE  PROPHECY.  0^ 

peated,  "  if  what  the  Ottawa  says  is  not  true.»» 

"  What  the  Ottawa  says  is  tmOj"  rejoined  the  governor  j  for  the  chief  who 
sits  on  ray  right  hand  has  often  said  that,  but  for  the  Ottawa,  the  small  num- 
ber of  the  warriors  of  the  Sugaiiaw  must  have  been  cut  off;  and  his  heart  is 
big  with  kindness  to  the  Ottawa  for  what  he  did.  But  if  the  great  chief 
meant  to  be  friendlv,  why  did  bo  declare  war  after  smoking  the  pipe  of  peace 
with  the  Saganaw  f  Why  did  he  destroy  the  wigwams  of  the  settlers,  and 
carry  off  the  scalps  even  of  their  weak  women  and  children?  All  this  has 
the  Ottawa  done ;  and  yet  ho  says  that  he  wished  to  be  friendly  with  my 

f^oung  men.  But  the  Saganaw  is  not  a  fool.  He  knows  the  Ottawa  chief 
lad  no  will  of  his  own.  On  the;  right  hand  of  the  Ottawa  sits  the  great  chief 
of  the  Dclawares,  and  on  his  left  the  great  chief  of  the  Shawanees.  They 
have  long  been  the  sworn  eneniies  of  the  Saganaw  ;  and  they  came  from  the 
rivers  that  run  near  ihe  salt  lake  to  stir  up  the  red  skins  of  the  Detroit  to 
war.  They  whispered  wicked  .vords  in  the  ear  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  and  he 
determined  to  take  up  the  bloody  hatchet.  This  is  a  shame  to  a  great  war- 
rior. The  Ottawa  was  a  king  (  vor  all  the  tribes  in  the  country  of  the  fresh 
lakes,  and  yet  he  weakly  took  council  like  a  woman  from  another," 

My  father  lies !"  fiercely  retorted  the  warrior,  half  springing  to  his  feet, 
md  involuntarily  putting  his  h.md  upon  his  tomaliawk.  "  If  the  settlers  of 
the  Saganaw  have  fallen,"  he  i  jsuined  in  a  calmer  tone,  while  he  again  sank 
upon  his  mat,  "it  is  because  thy  did  not  keep  their  faith  with  the  redjViu.s 
When  they  came  weak,  and  vere  not  secure  in  their  strong  holds',  their 
tongues  were  smooth  and  full  ■  >f  soft  words ;  but  when  they  became  strong 
under  the  protection  of  their  thunder,  they  no  longer  treated  the  red  skins 
as  their  friends,  and  they  laughed  at  them  for  letting  them  come  intc  the^'r 
country.  But"  he  pursued,  elevating  his  voice,  "  the  Ottawa  is  a  great  chief 
4nd  he  will  be  respected."  Then  adverting  in  bitterness  to  the  influence  sup- 
posed to  be  exercised  over  him — "  What  my  father  has  said  is  false.  Th« 
Shawanees  and  the  Delawares  liad  no  talk  with  the  Ottawa  chief  to  make  hiir 
do  what  liis  own  wisdom  did  n-^t  tell  him." 

"  Then,  if  the  talk  came  no  t  from  the  Shawanees  and  the  Delawares,  it 
came  from  the  spies  of  the  warriors  of  the  pale  flag.  The  great  father  of  the 
French  was  angry  with  the  gre:\t  father  of  the  Saganaw,  because  he  conquered 
his  warriors  in  many  battles ;  and  he  sent  wicked  mes  to  whisper  lies  of  the 
Saganaw  into  the  ears  of  the  red  skins,  and  to  make  them  take  up  the  hatchet 
against  them.  There  is  a  tall  spy  at  this  moment  in  the  camp  of  the  red 
skins,"  he  pursued  with  earnestness,  and  yet  paling  as  he  spoke.  "  It  is  said 
he  is  the  bosom  friend  of  the  g'-eat  chief  of  the  Ottawas.  But  I  will  not  be- 
lieve it.  The  head  of  a  great  nation  would  not  be  the  friend  of  a  spy— of  one 
who  is  baser  than  a  dog.  Ilis  people  would  despise  him ;  and  they  would 
say, '  Our  chief  .s  not  lit  to  sit  in  courcil,  or  to  make  war  j  for  he  is  led  by 
the  word  of  a  pale  face  who  is  without  honor.' " 

The  swarthy  cheek  of  the  Indian  reddened,  and  his  eye  kindled  into  fire. 
"  There  is  no  spy,  but  a  great  ^va^rior  in  the  camp  of  the  Ottawas,"  he  fierce- 
ly replied.  "  Though  he  came  from  the  country  that  lies  beyond  the  salt 
lake,  he  is  now  a  chief  of  the  red  skins,  and  his  arm  is  mighty,  u,ad  his  heart 
is  big.  Would  my  father  knovv'  why  he  has  become  a  chief  of  the  Ottau  as  ?" 
he  pursued  with  scornful  exultation.  "  When  the  strong  holds  of  the  Saga- 
Daw  fell,  the  tomahawk  of  the  '  white  warrior '  drank  more  blood  than  that 


f  1 
■:ii 


!l 


mi 


m 


*  i 


»■ ;. 


98 


WACOUSTA,  OB,  THE  PROPHECY. 


of  a  red  skin,  and  his  tent  is  hunfr  round  with  *)ole8  bending  under  the  weight 
of  the  scalps  he  has  taken.  When  the  great  chief  of  tlie  Ottawas  dies,  the 
pule  face  ^^ill  lead  his  warriors,  and  take  the  first  seat  in  the  council.  The  Ot- 
tawa chief  is  his  friend." 

"  If  the  pale  face  be  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa,"  pursued  the  governor,  in 
the  hope  of  obtaining  some  particular  intelligence  in  regard  to  this  terrible 
and  mysterious  being,  "  why  is  he  not  here  to  sit  in  council  with  the  chiefs  ? 
Perhaps,"  he  proceeded  tauntingly,  as  he  fancied  he  perceived  a  disinclination 
on  the  part  of  the  Indian  to  account  for  the  absence  of  the  warrior.  "  the  pale 
fiue  is  not  worthy  to  take  his  place  a.nong  the  head  men  of  the  council.  His 
arm  may  be  strong  like  that  of  a  warrior,  but  hi'^  head  may  be  weak  like  that 
of  a  woman ;  or,  perhaps,  he  is  ashamed  to  fchow  himself  before  the  pale 
faces,  who  have  turneii  him  out  of  their  tribe." 

•'  My  father  lies !"  again  unceremoniously  retorted  the  warrior.  "  If  the 
friend  of  the  Ottawa  is  no<  lioie,  it  is  becaiise  his  voice  cannot  speak.  Does 
my  father  retollect  the  bri.ii^e  on  which  he  killed  his  young  warrior?  Does 
he  recollect  the  terrible  chase  of  the  pale  Cico  by  the  friend  of  tlu^  Ottawa  ? 
Ugh !"  he  continued,  as  his  attention  was  now  diverted  to  another  object  of 
interest,  "  that  pale  face  wa.s  swifter  than  any  runner  among  the  red  skins, 
and  for  his  fleetness  he  deserved  to  live  to  be  a  great  hunter  in  the  Canadasj 
but  fear  broke  his  heart — fear  of  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief  The  reel 
skins  saw  him  fall  at  the  feet  of  the  Saganaw  without  life,  and  thoy  saw  the 
young  warriors  bear  him  oil'  in  their  arms.  Is  not  the  Ottawa  right  ?  The 
Indian  paused,  threw  iiis  eye  rapidly  along  the  room,  and  then,  fixing  it  on 
the  governor,  seemed  to  wait  with  deep  but  suppressed  interest  foi*  hiy  reply. 

"  Peace  to  the  bones  of  a  brave  warri  jr !"  seriously  and  evasively  returned 
the  governor:  "  the  pale  face  is  no  longer  in  the  land  of  the  Canadas,  and  the 
young  warriors  of  the  Saganaw  are  sorry  for  his  loss ;  but  what  would  the  Ot* 
tawa  say  of  the  bridge  ?  and  what  has  the  pais  warrior,  the  friend  of  the  Ot 
tawa,  to  do  with  it  ?" 

A  gleam  of  satisfaction  pervaded  the  countenance  of  the  Indian,  as  he  eag- 
erly bent  his  ear  to  receive  the  asi-urance  that  the  fugitive  was  no  more ;  but 
when  allusion  was  made  to  the  strange  warrior,  his  brow  became  overcast,  and 
^9  replied  with  mingled  haughtiness  and  anger, — "  Does  my  father  ask  1 
He  has  dogs  of  spies  among  the  settlers  of  the  pale  flag,  but  the  tomahawk 
of  the  red  skins  will  find  them  out,  and  they  shall  perish  even  as  the  Saga 
naw  themselves.  Two  nights  ago.  when  the  wan-iors  of  the  Ottuwas  were 
retui-ning  from  the  scout  upon  the  common,  they  heard  the  voice  of  Ouondato, 
the  wolf-dog  of  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief.  The  voice  came  from  the 
bri(l,j;e  where  the  Saganaw  killed  his  young  war-ior,  and  it  caelled  upon  the  .ed 
skins  for  assistance.  My  young  men  gave  their  war  cry,  and  ran  like  wild 
deer  to  destroy  the  enemies  of  their  chief;  but  when  they  came  the  spies  had 
tted,  and  the  voice  of  Ouondato  was  low  and  weak  as  that  of  a  new  fawn ;  and 
when  the  warriors  came  to  the  other  end  of  the  bridge,  the}'  found  the  pale 
chief  lying  across  the  road  and  covered  over  with  blood.  They  thought  he 
was  dead,  and  their  cry  was  terrible ;  for  the  pale  warrior  is  a  great  chief,  and 
the  Ottawas  love  him ;  but  when  they  looked  again,  '.hey  saw  that  the  blood 
was  the  blood  of  Onotdato,  whose  throat  the  spies  of  the  Saganaw  had  cut,  that 
ho  might  not  hunt  them  and  give  them  to  the  tomahawk  of  the  red  skins," 


WAC0U8TA,  OR,  THE  PKOPUEiY. 


99 


under  the  weight 
Ottawas  dies,  the 
council.    The  Ot- 

I  the  governor,  in 
rd  to  this  terrible 
1  with  tlie  chiofs  ? 
3d  a  disinclination 
varrior.  "the  pale 
the  council.  His 
be  weak  like  that 
If  before  the  pale 

yarrior.  "If  the 
not  Ki)cak.  Does 
;  warrior  ?  Does 
d  of  tlh-  Ottawa  ? 
another  object  of 
iig  the  red  skins, 
r  in  the  Canadasj 
a  chief.  The  ie<l 
and  thoy  saw  the 
tawa  right?  The 
tlicn,  fixing  it  on 
!rest  for  hirf  reply, 
jvasively  returned 
Canadas,  and  the 
lat  would  the  Ot 
I  friend  of  the  01 

'ndian,  as  he  eag- 
xas  no  more ;  but 
;ame  overcast,  and 
my  father  ask  1 
it,  the  tomaliawk 
iven  as  the  Saga- 
he  Ottiiwas  were 
oice  of  Ouondato, 
came  from  tho 
filed  upon  the  od 
,nd  ran  like  wild 
ime  the  spies  had 
a  new  fawn ;  and 
found  the  pale 
rhey  thought  he 
a  great  chief,  and 
w  that  the  blood 
naw  had  cut,  that 
f  the  red  skins," 


Frequent  glances,  expressive  of  their  deep  Interest  in  the  antuAunccnicnt  of 
this  intelligence,  passed  between  the  govcrnoi-  and  his  officers.  It  was  clear 
the  party  who  had  ciicount'rcd  the  terrible  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis  were 
not  spies  (for  none  were  employed  by  the  garrison),  but  their  adventurous 
companions  who  had  so  recently  quitted  them.  This  was  put  beyond  all 
doubt  by  the  night,  the  hour,  and  the  not  less  important  fact  of  the  locality  ; 
for  it  was  from  the  bridge  described  by  the  Indian,  near  which  the  Canadian 
had  stated  his  caTioe  to  be  chained,  they  were  to  embark  on  their  perilous  and 
uncertain  enterprise.  The  question  of  their  own  escape  from  danger  in  this 
tmlooked  for  collision  with  so  powerful  and  ferocious  an  enemy,  and  of  the 
fidelity  of  the  Canadian,  still  remained  involved  in  doubt,  which  it  mighc  be 
imprudent,  if  not  dangerous,  to  seek  to  have  resolved  by  any  direct  '•emark 
on  the  subject  to  the  keep  and  observant  warrior.  The  governor  remove<l 
this  diflicuity  by  artfully  observing, — "The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  hivH 
said  they  were  the  spies  of  the  Saganaw  who  killed  the  pale  warrior.  His 
young  men  have  found  l*hem,  then  ;  or  how  could  ho  know  tliey  were  spies  ?" 

"  Is  there  a  warrio"*  among  the  Saganaw  who  dares  to  show  himself  iu  t)»o 
path  of  the  red  skins,  unless  he  come  in  strength  and  surrounded  by  his 
thunder  ?"  was  the  sneering  demand.  "  But  my  father  is  wrong  if  he  sii])- 
poses  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  is  killed.  No,"  he  pursuL'il  ticixjoly,  "  the  dogs 
of  spies  could  not  kill  him  ;  they  were  afraid  t«  face  so  terrible  a  warrior. 
They  came  behind  him  in  the  dark,  and  they  struck  him  on  the  head  like 
cowards  and  fo::es  as  they  were.  The  warrior  of  the  pale  face,  and  the  frieno 
of  the  Ottawa  chief,  is  sick  but  not  dead.  He  lies  without  motion  in  his  tent, 
and  his  voice  cannot  speak  to  his  friend  to  tell  him  who  were  his  enemies, 
that  he  may  bring  their  scalps  to  hang  up  within  his  wigwam.  But  the  great 
cliief  will  soon  be  well,  and  his  arm  will  be  stronger  than  ever  to  spill  the 
blood  of  *;he  Saganaw  as  he  has  done  before." 

"The  talk  of  the  Ottu.ra  chief  is  strange,"  returned  the  governor,  emphati- 
cally and  with  dignity.  "  He  says  he  comes  to  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace  with 
the  Saganaw,  and  yl  ho  talks  of  spilling  their  blood  as  if  it  wxs  water  fiom 
the  lake.  What  does  the  Ottawa  mean  ?"  ''  Ugh !"  exclaimed  the  Indian,  in 
his  surprise.  "  My  father  is  right,  but  the  Ottawa  and  the  Saganaw  havj  noi 
yet  smoked  together.  When  they  have,  the  hatchet  will  be  buried  for  ever. 
Until  then,  they  are  still  enemies." 

During  this  long  and  important  colloquy  of  the  leading  parties,  the  strictest 
silence  had  been  preserved  by  the  remainder  of  the  council.  The  inferior  chiefn 
had  continued  deliberately  puffing  the  smoke  from  their  curled  lips,  as  thoy 
6i\t  cross-legged  on  their  mats,  and  nodding  their  heads  at  intervals  in  contir 
mation  of  the  occasional  appeal  made  by  the  rapid  glance  of  ihe  Ottawa,  and 
utttving  their  gutteral  "  Ugh  !"  whenever  any  observation  of  the  parlant  par- 
ties touched  their  feelings,  or  called  forth  their  surprise.  The  t>(iic(Ts  had  been 
no  less  silent  and  attentive  listeners  to  a  conversation  on  the  iynie  of  whicn 
riung  so  mawy  dear  and  paramount  intere*jtf.  A  pauto  m  cho  corfeience  gav« 
them  an  opportunity  of  commer  ting  in  a  'lOW  toie  on  the  communication 
made,  in  the  strong  excitemt  nt  of  his  pride,  oy  the  Ottawa  chief,  in  regard  to 
the  terrible  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lfs ;  v*  no,  ic  wv.a  evident  swayed  the  coun- 
cils of  the  Indians,  and  consequently  exeici.-sed  an  influence  over  the  ultimate 
(itstiuies  of  the  Engliish,  which  it  was  mi|)ossible  to  contemplate  without  alarm. 


I     -•;, 


•   1 


:l 


11 


100 


WAcoujirrA,  oil,  tiik  i'hopxiecy. 


It  was  evident  to  all,  from  whatsovvoi-  axiS'  it  imVlit  arli^o,  tills  man  cherished 
a  rancor  towards  certain  intlividuali  in  the  fort,  inducing  an  anxiety  in  its  re- 
duction scarcely  equalled  by  that  entcrtaim  .  on  the  part  of  the  Indiann  them- 
Helves.  Beyond  this,  however,  all  was  my.  lery  and  doubt ;  nor  had  any  clue 
beeji  given  to  enable  them  to  arrive  even  at  a  well  founded  apprehension  of 
the  motives  whii;h  Imd  given  birth  to  the  vindictivn'css  of  purpose  so  univer 
BJillv  asciibed  to  him  even  by  the  ravages  themselves. 

'I'ho  chiefs  also  availed  thcniselvts  of  thi>  pause  in  the  conversation  of  tlie 
jirincipals,  to  sustain  a  low  and  animated  ('iscus.sion.  Tnose  of  the  Shawanee 
and  I)elawire  nations  were  especially  earn.'St;  and.  as  they  spoke  across  the 
Ottawa,  betrayed,  by  their  vehemence  of  ^'I'Staro,  the  action  of  some  strong 
feeling  upon  their  minds,  the  precise  nature  of  which  could  not  be  ascertained 
from  their  speech  at  the  oj)posite  extrcmit}  of  the  room.  The  Ottawa  did  not 
deign  to  join  in  their  conversation,  but  sat  smoking  his  pipe  in  all  the  calm 
forbidding  dignity  of  a  proud  Indian  warrit;:*  conscious  of  his  own  importance. 

"  Does  the  great  chief  of  tlie  Ottawas,  lien,  seek  for  peace  in  his  heart  at 
length  ?"  resumed  the  governor  j  "or  is  he  come  to  the  stronghold  of  Detioit, 
IS  ho  went  to  the  other  stron/jolds,  with  deceit  on  his  lips?"  The  Indian 
slowly  removed  the  pipe  from  his  mouth  fixed  his  keen  eye  seavchingly  on 
that  of  the  (luestioner  for  nearly  a  minute,  and  then  briefly  and  haughtily  said, 
'*  The  Ottawa  chief  has  spoken." 

"  And  do  the  great  chiefs  of  the  Shawanous,  and  the  great  chiefs  of  the  Dcla- 
wares,  and  the  great  chiefs  of  the  other  nati  )ns,  ask  for  peace  also  ?"  demanded 
the  governor.    '•  If  so,  let  them  speak  for  themselves,  and  for  their  warriors." 

We  will  not  trespass  on  the  reader  by  a  transcrii.,t  of  the  declarations  of  the 
inferior  chiefs.  Each  in  his  turn  avowed  motives  similar  to  those  of  the  Ottawa 
for  wishing  the  hatchet  might  be  buried  for  ever,  and  that  their  young  men 
should  mingle  once  more  in  confidence,  not  only  with  the  English  troops,  but 
with  the  settlers,  who  would  again  be  brought  into  the  <;ountry  at  the  cessa- 
tion of  hostilities.  When  each  had  spoken,  the  Ottawa  passed  the  pipe  of 
ceremony,  with  which  he  was  provided,  to  the  governor.  The  latter  put  it  to 
his  lips,  and  commenced  smoking.  The  Indians  keenly,  and  half  furtively, 
watched  the  act ;  and  looks  of  deep  intelligence,  that  escaped  not  the  notice  or 
the  equally  anxious  and  observant  officers,  passed  among  them. 

"  The  pipe  of  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottavas  smokes  well,"  calmly  remarked 
the  governor ;  "  but  the  Ottawa  chief,  in  his  hurry  to  come  and  ask  for  peace, 
has  made  a  mistake.  The  pipe  and  all  its  ornaments  are  red  like  blood :  it  is 
iho  pipe  of  war,  and  not  the  pipe  of  peace.  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas 
will  be  angry  with  himself;  he  has  entered  the  stronghold  of  the  Saganaw, 
and  sat  in  the  council,  without  doing  any  good  for  his  young  men.  The  Ottawa 
roist  come  again." 

A  doop  but  subdued  expression  of  disappointment  passed  over  the  features 
ri  the  chiefs.    They  watched  the  ';ountenances  of  the  officers,  to  see  whether 


nothing,  however,  to  indicate  the 


the  substitution  of  one  pipe  for  the  other  hid  been  attributed,  in  their  estima- 
tion, to  accident  or  design.    There  was  nol"  * 

slightest  doubt  of  their  sincerity. 

''  My  father  is  right,"  replied  the  Indian,  with  an  appearance  of  embarraas- 
ment,  which,  whether  natural  or  feigned,  had  nothing  suspicious  in  it.  "The 
^roat  chief  of  the  Ottawas  km  li>ee^  foolish,  like  an  old  womao>    The  young 


':  \^l 


WAcorsTA,  OR,  THE  rnopnrf  Y. 


101 


difolV  orh>  trilic  will  Innjrh  nt  h'  a  !br  this,  "nnt  tho  Ottnwn  chief  will  cotni 
;*jeHin,  iiixl  the  other  chiefs  with  1  m,  for  as  my  father  hpos,  they  all  mv\\  for 
iH'i»c»; ;  ail  I  that  my  f*tl»cr  may  )  now  all  tho  nations  wish  f(»r  peace,  as  well 
lis  their  head  men.  the  warriors  o"  the  Ottawa,  and  of  the  Shawanco.  ami  ui 
ihf  Delaware,  shall  play  at  ball  i:pon  the  codittioti  to  nrtinse  his  yonne  men. 
while  the  chiefs  sit  in  cotnx-'il  will,  the  cliiels  (»r  the  Sa^anaw.  Tin-  red  skins 
Hhali  come  naked,  and  without  th  ir  rifles  and  their  tomahawks  ;  and  even  tlii; 
s«|iiaw;-i  of  \h9  warriors  shall  coin)  upon  the  common,  to  show  the  Saganaw 
tl«M'  iftay  he  without  fear.     Does  my  father  hear?" 

'The Ottawa  chief  says  well,"  r'-'tur^d  the  governor;  "but  will  the  pale 
f»i''n'l  of  the  Ottawa  come  also  to  :ike  his  sent  in  the  council  hall  ?  Tho  prent 
I'hii'f  has  said  the  pale  warrior  has  )ecome  the  second  chief  among  the  Ottawas  •, 
and  that  when  he  is  dead,  the  p:  le  warrior  will  lead  the  Ottawas,  and  take 
the  Hrst  seat  in  the  council,  lie,  'M,  should  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace  with  tho 
Saiianaw,  that  they  may  know  h    is  no  longer  their  enemy." 

The  Indian  hesitated,  uttering  Merely  his  quick  ejaculatory  "  Ugh !"  in  ex- 
pression of  hia  surprise  at  so  unexpected  a  requisition.  "The  pale  warrior, 
the  friend  of  the  Ottawa,  is  very  .sick  "  he  at  length  said ;  "  but  if  the  Great 
Spirit  should  give  him  back  his  voice  before  the  cliiefs  come  again  to  the  coun- 
cil, the  pale  face  will  come  too.  if  my  father  does  not  see  him  then,  he  will 
know  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chiv;f  is  very  sick." 

The  governor  deemed  it  prudent  not  to  press  the  question  too  closely,  lest 
m  so  doing  he  should  excite  susyiicion,  and  defeat  his  own  object.  "When 
will  the  Ottawa  and  the  other  chi-fs  come  again  ?"  he  asked  ;  "  njid  when  will 
their  warriors  play  ball  upon  the  common,  that  the  Saganaw  may  see  them 
and  be  amused  ?"  "  When  the  sun  has  travelled  so  many  times,"  replied 
Ponteac,  holding  up  three  fingers  of  his  left  hand.  "  Then  will  the  Ottawa 
and  the  other  chiefs  bring  their  3't)ung  warriors  and  their  young  women." 

'•  It  is  too  .soon,"  was  the  reply;  "the  Saganaw  must  have  time  to  collect 
Micir  i)rosents,  that  they  may  give  them  to  the  young  warriors  who  are  swift- 
est at  the  race,  and  most  .active  at  the  ball.  Tlie  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas, 
too,  must  let  the  settlers  of  the  pale  Hag,  who  are  the  friends  of  the  red  skins, 
bring  in  food  for  the  Saganaw,  that  a  great  feast  may  be  given  to  the  chiefs 
and  to  the  warriors,  and  that  the  Saganaw  niay  make  peace  with  the  Ottawa'^ 
and  the  other  nations  as  becomes  a  gresit  people.  In  tv,'ice  so  many  days." 
holding  up  three  of  his  fingers  in  imitation  of  the  Indian,  ''the  Saganaw  will 
be  ready  to  receive  the  chiefs  in  council,  that  they  may  smoke  tho  pipo  of 
peace,  and  bury  the  hatchet  for  ever.  What  says  the  great  chief  of  the 
Ottawas?" 

'•  It  is  good,"  was  the  reply  of  the  Tndian,  his  eye  lignting  up  with  deep 
and  exulting  exprcs.sion.  "The  settlers  of  the  pale  .^lag  shall  bring  food  to 
the  Saganaw.  The  Ottawa  chief  will  send  them,  and  he  will  desire  his  younp 
men  not  to  prevent  them.  In  so  many  days,  then,"  indicating  with  his  fingers 
'•  the  great  chiefs  will  sit  again  in  council  with  the  Saganaw,  and  the  Ottawa 
chief  will  not  be  a  fool  to  bring  the  pipe  he  does  not  want." 

With  this  assurance  the  conference  terminated.  Ponteac  raised  his  tall 
frame  from  the  mat  on  which  he  h.ad  been  squatted,  nodded  condescendingly 
to  the  governor,  and  strode  haughtily  into  the  square  or  area  of  the  fort.  The 
Other  chiefs  followed  his  example )  and  to  Mt^or  Blackwater  was  again  assign 


I 


Wi     I 


r 


m 


if  I 

I'  m 


103 


VACOISTA.  OH,  TIIK  rtMM'HItcY. 


3d  the  duty  of  fiorompanyin;;  Ihom  witliont  the  works.  Tlio  pflnnco  of  the 
H:ivijj;tH,  iiii'l  that  of  I'oiiti'nc  in  particular  was  loss  wary  than  at  llu'ir  en- 
trance. Kach  sei'iu»'<l  to  oiiihraci'  every  o'lject  on  wliicli  tlio  eyes  (-(Mild  reHt, 
is  if  to  fix  its  position  indeliMy  in  his  in  'niory.  Tlie  yotin^  ehief,  who  ha<t 
heen  so  smMenly  and  opportunely  clierK  'd  while  in  the  very  net  of  pealinc 
forth  hi'!  iiiriMe  wm-uhuop,  a^am  1»h»I  .1!  up  at  the  wuidows  of  (he  Mock- 
house,  in  (pii'st  of  those  whom  his  savii;;c  instinct  had  ali-endy  devoted  in  in- 
tention to  his  tduiahawk.  hut  they  v, ere  no  longer  there.  Such  wasi  th*" 
Kilence  tluii  reijrned  every  where,  the  lort  a])peare(l  to  he  tenanted  only  hy  the 
few  men  of  the  nuard,  who  lintrered  near  their  stations,  uiientively  wutrhiit|i 
the  Indians,  as  they  passed  towards  the  f»ate.  A  very  lew  niiinites  snllict'dto 
biinfj  tho  Ulter  onoo  more  in  the  aidst  of  their  warriors,  whom  for  a  f«w 
niomentR,  they  }  arangtied  earnestly,  when  the  whole  body  again  mored  of! 
in  the  din  otion  jf  their  encampment. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  week  that  intervened  between  the  visit  of  the  cin'efs  and  the  day  ap- 
pointed for  their  second  nieetinj;  in  council,  was  passed  by  the  pairison  in 
perfect  freedom  froi.i  alavm,  althoti^dK  as  usual,  in  dili<2;ent  watchfulness  and 
preparations  for  casualties.  In  conformity  with  his  promise,  the  Indian  had 
'lespatched  nmny  of  the  Canadian  settlers,  witii  such  provisions  as  the  oonn- 
tr}'  then  allorded.  to  the  governor,  and  these,  hapi)y  to  obtain  the  jiold  of  thn 
troops  in  return  for  what  they  could  conveniently  spare,  were  not  slow  in 
iivailing;  themselves  of  the  jjcrmission.  Dried  l)ear's  nieat.  veni.son.  and  Indian 
.orn.  composed  the  substance  of  these  su])plies.  which  were  in  .sufHcient  abun- 
lance  to  produce  a  six  weeks'  '^crease  to  the  stock  of  the  parri.son.  Hitherto 
'I ley  had  been  s'lbsisting.  in  a  g.-eat  depree.  upon  .salt  provisions;  the  food 
lurtively  suj)plied  hy  the  Canadians  being  necessarily,  from  their  dread  of  de- 
tection, on  so  limited  a  .scale,  that  a  very  sniall  portion  of  the  troops  had  been 
^•nabled  to  profit  by  it.  This,  therefore,  was  an  important  and  unexpected 
•lenefit.  derived  from  the  falling  in  of  the  garrison  with  the  professed  views  of 
the  savages;  and  one  which,  perhaps,  few  oflicers  wotdd,  like  Colonel  de  Ilal- 
iimar.  have  possessed  the  forethought  to  have  secured.  But  although  it  .serv- 
ed to  relieve  the  animal  wants  of  tho  man,  there  was  little  to  remove  his 
i!i«)ral  inquietude.  Discouraged  by  the  sanguinary  character  of  the  warfare 
u  which  they  seemed  doomed  to  be  for  ever  engaged,  and  harassed  by  con- 
"^tant  watchings, — seldom  taking  off'  their  clothes  for  weeks  together. — tl:e 
iiien  had  gradually  been  losing  their  energy  of  spirit,  in  the  contemplation  of 
the  alnio.st  irremedi.ible  evils  b\' which  they  were  beset;  and  looked  forw.-ird 
.vith  sad  and  disheartening  conviction  to  a  fate,  that  all  things  tended  to  prove 
10  them  was  unavoidable,  however  the  period  of  its  consummation  might  be 
protracted.  Among  the  officers,  this  dejection,  although  proceeding  from  a 
dilfercnt  cause,  was  no  less  prevalent;  and  notwithstanding  they  .sought  to 
di.sgmse  it  before  their  men,  when  left  to  themselves  they  gave  unlimited  rein 
to  a  despondency  hourly  acquiring  strength,  as  the  day  fijced  on  for  the  second 
oouncil  with  t^?  Iiidians  drew  near. 


WAcousTi,  on,  THE  mopnECT. 


103 


oils  ;  the  foori 


At  length  camo  that  terrible  and  eyentf\i1  day,  and,  ns  if  in  mockery  of 
those  who  8ftw  no  benuty  in  its  golden  beams,  arraye<l  in  all  the  porjrcous  Hoft- 
ni'ss  of  its  nutnmnal  glory.  Snd  nnd  heavy  were  the  ht'iirts  of  many  within 
that  far  distant  and  isolated  f(»rt,  as  they  rose,  at  the  first  plinuncrinp  of  Jifrht 
Above  the  horizon,  to  prcparo  for  the  several  duties  iissi'jiied  them.  All  felf 
till'  inllueiico  of  a  feeling  that  laid  prostrate  the  moral  iiiergies  even  of  the 
lK)l(lest:  hut  there  wa.s  one  young  oflloer  in  particular,  who  exhibited  a  (U)tr- 
tion,  degenerating  almost  into  stupefaction ;  and  more  than  once,  when  hf* 
receiveil  an  order  from  his  superior,  hesitated  a.s  one  who  either  heard  not.  or. 
in  attempting  to  perform  it.  mistook  the  purport  of  his  instructions,  nnd  cxt- 
cuted  some  entirely  different  duty.  The  ooimtenancc  of  this  oflicer,  wiiosa 
attenuated  person  otherwise  bore  traces  of  languor  and  debility,  but  ton 
plainly  marked  the  ab.stractedne.'*s  and  terror  of  his  mind,  while  the  set  stirt' 
features  and  contracted  muscles  of  tlie  face  contributed  to  give  an  exi)rcssion 
of  vacuity,  that  one  who  knew  him  not  might  have  interpreted  unfavorably. 
Scvera!  tunes,  daring  the  inspection  of  bis  company  at  the  early  parade,  he 
was  seen  to  raise  his  liead,  and  throw  forward  his  oar.  as  if  expecting  to  catch 
the  e(;ho  of  some  horrible  and  api)alling  cry.  until  the  men  themselves  remni-k 
od.  and  commented,  by  interchange  of  looks,  on  the  sJngu'nr  conduct  of  their 
♦  fficer.  whose  thoughts  had  evidently  no  con»i"t'tion  wit'i  the  d  jtv  he  '.vii^ 
pfsrforming,  or  the  spot  o\\  which  he  stf'oii. 

When  this  customary  inspection  had  been  aciA^mpIishcd, — ^liow  impcffei-tly 
has  been  seen, — and  the  men  dismissed  from  their  ranks,  the  same  youc.g 
officer  was  observed,  by  one  who  followed  his  every  movement  with  interest. 
to  a.scend  that  \)nrt  of  the  rampart  which  commanded  an  unbroken  view  t>f 
the  country  westward,  from  the  point  where  the  encampment  of  the  Indiiins 
wa:<  supposed  to  lie,  down  to  the  bridge  on  which  the  terrible  tragedy  of  ll.il- 
loway's  death  had  been  so  recently  enacted.  Unconscious  of  the  presence  oi" 
two  sentinels,  who  moved  to  and  fro  near  their  respective  posts,  on  either  siiic 
of  him,  the  young  oflicer  folded  his  arms,  nnd  gazed  in  that  direction  for  soui« 
minutes,  with  his  whole  soul  riveted  on  the  scene.  Then,  as  if  overcome  by 
recollections  called  up  by  that  on  which  he  gazed,  ho  covered  his  eyes  hiir- 
riedly  with  his  hands,  and  betra^^cd,  by  the  convulsed  movement  of  his  slend(!r 
form,  he  was  weeping  bitterly.  The  paroxysm  past,  he  uncovered  hfs  face, 
sank  with  one  knee  upon  the  ground,  and  upraising  his  clasped  hands,  as  if  in 
appeal  to  his  God,  seemed  to  pray  deeply  and  fervently.  In  this  attitude  ho 
continued  for  .some  moments,  when  he  became  sensible  of  the  approach  of  an 
intruder.  lie  rai.sed  himself  from  his  knee,  turned,  and  beheld  one  whose 
countenance  was  stamped  with  a  dejection  scarcely  inferior  to  his  own.  J  t 
was  Captain  Blessington. 

"  Charles,  my  dear  Charles  !"  exclaimed  the  latter  hurriedly,  as  he  laid  his 
hand  upon  the  shoulder  of  the  emaciated  De  Ilaldimar,  "consider  you  are  not 
alone.  For  God  i  sake,  check  this  weakness !  There  are  men  ob.serving  you 
on  every  side,  and  your  strange  manner  has  already  been  the  subject  of  re- 
mark in  the  company." 

"  When  the  heart  is  sick,  like  mine,"  replied  the  youth,  in  a  tone  of  tearful 
despondency,  "  it  is  alike  reckless  of  forms  and  careless  of  appearances.  I 
tnist,  however,"  and  here  spoke  the  soldier,  "  there  are  few  within  this  fort 
who  will  l#jlievo  me  less  courageous  because  I  haye  been  seen  to  bend  my 


i 


f 


•I 


1 


^.,     Hi 


fl 


.f* 


104 


"VfACOVSTA,  OR.  THE  PP'  PHECY. 


think  that  you,  Blesslngton, 


Trace  In  snppHcation  to  my  God.    T  did  not 
would  have  been  the  flrst  to  condeian  the  act." 

"  [  condemn  it,  Charles !  you  mistake  me.  inleed  you  do."  feelingly  returned 
bis  captain,  secretly  pained  at  the  mild  reproa<  h  contained  m  the  concluding, 
»eptenc*t;  "but  there  are  two  thin<?s  to  be  considered.  In  the  first  instance, 
the  men  who  are  yet  in  ignorance  oif  the  great  evils  with  which  we  are  threat* 
cjcd.  may  mistake  the  cause  of  your  agitation  ;  vou  were  in  tears  just  now 
Charles,  and  the  sentinels  must  have  remarkt"  it  as  well  as  myself.  I  would 
not  have  them  to  believe  that  one  of  their  olli  ;ers  was  affected  by  the  antici- 
pation of  coming  disaster,  in  a  way  their  own  hearts  are  incapable  of  estimat- 
ing. You  understand  me.  Charles  ?  I  would  not  have  them  too  much  dis- 
couraged by  an  example  that  may  become  infectious." 

"  I  do  understand  you,  Blcssington,"  and  a  .breed  and  sickly  smile  played 
for  a  moment  over  the  wan  yet  handsome  feat  ires  of  the  young  ofQcer ;  "  you 
would  not  have  me  appear  a  weeping  coward  in  their  eyes." 

"  N«?\y,  dear  Charles,  I  did  not  say  it." 

"  But  you  meant  it.  Blessington ;  yet.  think  not,"— and  he  warmly  pressed 
the  hand  of  his  captam, — "  think  not,  t  repeat,  I  take  your  hint  in  any  other 
than  the  friendly  light  in  which  it  was  intended.  That  I  have,  been  no 
coward,  however,  I  hope  I  have  given  proof  raore  than  once  before  the  men, 
most  of  whom  have  known  me  from  my  cradle ;  yet,  whatever  they  may 
Ihink,  is  to  me,  a*  this  moment,  a  matter  of  utter  indifference.  Blessington," 
and  again  the  tears  rolled  from  his  fixed  eyes  over  his  cheek,  while  he  pointed 
with  his  finger  to  the  western  horizon,  "  I  hfive  neither  thought  nor  feeling 
for  myself;  my  whole  heart  lies  buried  there.  01,  God  of  Heaven!"  he 
pursued,  after  a  pause,  ajwl  again  raising  hiS  eyes  in  supplication.  "  avert  the 
drearlful  destiny  that  awaits  my  be'oved  sister." 

"  Charles,  Charles,  if  only  for  that  sister's  sake,  then,  calm  an  agitation 
which,  if  thuii  indulged  in,  will  assuredly  destroy  you.  All  will  yet  be  well. 
Thi^  delay  obtaired  by  your  fiitli'  r  has  been  su  ficient  for  the  purpose  proposed 
Loi  us  hope  for  the  best :  if  we  are  deceived  in  our  expectation,  it  will  theo 
be  time  enough  to  indulge  in  a  grief,  which  could  scarcely  be  exceeded  were 
the  fearful  misgivings  of  your  mind  to  be  realized  before  your  eyes." 

"  Blessington,"  returned  tlie  yoimg  officer, — and  his  features  wchibited  the 
livliest  image  of  despair, — "al!  hope  has  long  since  been  extinct  in  my  breast. 
See  you  yon  theatre  of  death  ?"  he  mournfuljy  pursued,  pointing  to  the  fatal 
bridge,  which  was  thrown  into  full  relief  against  the  placid  bosom  of  the  De- 
troit :  "  recollect  you  the  scene  that  was  acted  on  it  ?  As  for  me,  it  is  evei 
present  to  nay  mind, — it  haunts  me  in  my  thoughts  by  day,  and  in  my  dreams 
by  night.  I  shall  never  forget  it  while  me^nory  is  left  to  curse  me  with 
the  power  of  retrospection.  On  the  very  spot  on  which  I  now  stand  was  1 
borne  in  a  chair,  to  witness  the  dreadful  punishment ;  you  see  the  stone  at 
my  feet,  I  marked  it  by  that.  I  saw  you  conduct  Ilalloway  to  the  centre  of 
'the  bridge ;  I  beheld  him  kneel  to  receive  his  death  ;  I  saw,  too,  the  terrible 
race  for  life  that  interrupted  the  proceedings ;  I  marked  the  sudden  up-spring 
of  Halloway  to  his  feet  upon  the  coffin,  and  the  exulting  waving  of  hjs  hand, 
as  he  seemed  to  recognise  the  rivals  for  mastery  in  the  race.  Then  was  heard 
the  fatal  volley,  and  I  saw  the  death-struggle  oi'  him  who  had  saved  my  brother's 
life.  I  could  have  died,  too.  at  that  moment ;  and  would  to  Providence  I  had  I 
but  it  was  othef  wise  decreed.   My  achru)  interest  was,  for  a  moment,  diverted 


WACeVfTA,  OR,  THB  PROPHECY. 


m,  Blesslngron, 


an.  "  avert  tho 


10' 


by  the  fearftil  chase  now  renewed  upon  the  height ;  and,  hi  common  with 
those  around  me,  I  watched  the  efforts  of  the  pursuer  arid  the  pursued  with 
painful  earnestness  and  doubt  as  to  the  final  result.  Ah,  Blessington,  why 
was  this  not  all  ?  The  terrible  shriek  uttered  at  the  moment  when  the  ftijn- 
live  fell,  apparently  dead,  at  the  feet  of  the  flrin«r  party,  reached  us  even  here. 
I  felt  as  if  ray  heart  must  have  burst,  for  I  knew  it  to  be  the  shriek  of  poor 
Kllcn  iliilloway. — the  sulfering  wife. — the  broke:j-heartc'(i  won  an  who  had 
so  recently  in  all  the  wild  abandonment  of  li^r  pief,  wetted  my  pillow,  and 
even  my  cheek,  with  lRTbiirnin«r  (cars,  while  stipjdicatinp:  an  intercession  with 
my  father  for  mercy,  which  I  knew  it  would  be  utterly  fruitless  to  promise. 
The  discovery  of  her  exchange  of  clothes  with  one  of  the  drum  boys  of  tlie 
crenadiers  was  made  soon  after  you  left  the  fort.  I  saw  her  leap  upon  the 
folHn.  and  standing  over  the  body  of  her  unhappy  husband,  raise  her  hands 
to  heaven  in  adjuration,  and  my  heart  died  williin  ne.  I  recollected  the 
words  she  had  spoken  on  a  previous  occasion,  during  the  first  examination  of 
Halloway.  and  T  felt  it  to  be  the  prophetic  denunciation,  then  threatened,  that 
she  was  now  uttering  on  all  the  race  of  I)e  IIt\ldiniar.  t  saw  no  more,  feless- 
ington.  Sick,  dizzy,  and  with  every  faculty  of  my  mind  annihilated,  I  turned 
away  from  the  horrid  scene,  and  was  again  borne  to  my  room." 

Captain  Blessington  was  deeply  affected  ;  for  there  was  a  solemnity  in  tho 
voice  of  the  young  officer  that  carried  conviction  to  the  heart. 

The  attention  of  both  was  diverted  by  the  report  of  a  nmsket  from  the  rear 
of  the  fort.  Presently  afterwards,  the  word  was  passed  along  the  chain  of 
sentinels  upon  the  ramparts,  that  the  Indians  were  issuing  in  force  from  the 
forest  upon  the  coinmon  near  the  bomb-proof.  Then  was  heard,  as  tlie  senti- 
nel at  the  gate  delivered  the  pass-word,  the  heavy  roll  of  the  drum  summon- 
ing to  arras. 

"Ha!  here  already!"  said  Captain  Blesfiigton.  as.  glancing  towards  the 
flhrest,  he  beheld  the  skirt  of  the  wood  now  aiive  with  dusky  human  forms : 
"  Ponteac's  visit  is  earlier  than  we  had  been  taught  to  expect ;  but  we  are  as 
well  prepared  to  r'iceive  hini  now  as  later ;  and,  in  fact,  the  sooner  the  inter- 
view is  terminated,  the  sooner  we  shall  know  what  we  have  to  depend  upon. 
Come.  Charles,  we  must  join  the  company,  and  let  me  entreat  you  to  evince 
less  despondency  before  the  men.  It  is  hard,  I  know,  to  sustain  an  artificial 
character  under  such  disheartening  circumstances  ;  still,  for  example's  sake,  it 
must  be  flone." 

'•  NVliai  I  can  T  will  *\q.  BlesfMngton."  rejoined  the  youth,  ns  ther  both 
moved  iVoTn  the  rnTt\r):irts ;  i>ut  the  task  w.  in  truth.  our>  to  w'lich  I  find 
myself  wholly  unequal.  How  do  I  know  that,  even  at  this  moraent,  my  do- 
fenceless,  terrified,  and  innocent  sister  may  not  be  invoking  the  name  and  arm 
of  her  brother  to  save  her  from  destruction. 

"  Trust  in  Providence.  Charles.  Even  althougli  our  worst  apprehensions 
be  reali.sed.  as  I  fervently  trust  they  will  not,  your  sister  may  be  spared.  The 
Canadian  could  not  have  been  unfaithful,  or  we  should  have  learnt  something 
of  his  treachery  from  the  Indians.  Another  week  will  confirm  us  in  the 
truth  or  fallacy  of  our  impressions.  Until  then  let  us  arm  our  hearts  with 
hope.  Trust  me,  we  siiall  yet  see  the  laughing  eyes  of  Clara  fill  with  team 
of  affection,  as  I  recount  to  her  all  her  too  sensitive  and  too  desponding  bro- 
ther has  suffered  for  her  sake." 


'11 


u 


lid  it 


106 


WAcorsTA,  OR,  THE  rp.ornECT. 


De  Haldimar  made  no  reply.  He  deeply  felt  the  ki^d  intention  of  his  cap' 
tain,  but  was  far  from  cherishing  the  hope  that  had  been  recommended. 
lie  sighed  heavily.- pressed  the  arm  on  wliicli  he  leaned,  in  gratitude  for  the 
motive,  and  moved  silently  with  his  friend  to  join  their  company  below  the 
rampart. 


tJIIAPTER  XV. 

Meanwhile  the  white  flag  had  again  been  raised  by  the  Indians  upon  the 
bomb-proof;  and  this  having  been  readily  met  by  a  corresponding  signal  from 
the  fort,  a  numerous  band  of  savages  now  issued  from  the  cover  with  which 
their  dark  forms  had  hitherto  been  identified,  and  spread  themselves  far  and 
near  upon  the  common.  On  this  occasion  they  were  without  arms,  offensive 
or  defensive,  of  any  kind,  if  we  may  except  the  knife  wliich  was  always  car- 
ried at  the  girdle,  and  which  constituted  a  part  rather  of  their  necessary  dress 
than  of  their  warlike  equipment.  These  warriors  might  have  been  about  livo 
hundred  in  number,  and  were  composed  cliietiy  of  picked  men  from  the  na- 
tions of  the  Ottawas,  tlie  Dclawares,  and  the  Shawanees  ;  each  race  being  dis- 
tinctly recognisable  from  the  others  by  certain  peculiarities  of  form  and  fea- 
ture which  individualised,  if  we  may  so  term  it,  the  several  tribes.  Their 
only  covering  was  the  legging  before  described,  comjwsed  in  some  instances 
of  cloth,  but  principally  of  smoked  deerskin,  and  the  Hap  that  pjissed  through 
the  girdle  arourul  the  loins,  by  which  the  straps  attached  to  the  leggings  were 
sectired.  Their  bodies,  necks,  and  arms  were,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
Blight  ornaments,  entirely  naked ;  aiul  even  the  blanket,  that  served  thein  as 
a  couch  by  night  and  a  covering  by  day,  had,  with  one  single  exception,  been 
dispensed  with,  apparently  with  a  view  t«  avoid  anything  like  encumbrance 
In  their  approaching  sport.  Each  individual  was  provided  with  a  stout  sap- 
ling of  about  three  feet  in  length,  curved,  and  flattened  at  the  root  extremity, 
like  that  used  at  the  Irish  hurdle  ;  which  game,  in  fact,  the  manner  of  bail- 
playing  among  the  Indians  in  every  way  resembled. 

Interspersed  among  these  warriors  were  a  nearly  equal  number  of  squaws. 
These  were  to  be  Svon  lounging  carelessly  about  in  small  groups,  and  were  of 
all  ages  ;  from  the  hoary-headed,  shrivclled-up  hag,  whose  eyes  still  sparkled 
with  a  fire  that  her  lank  and  attenuated  frame  denied,  to  the  young  girl  of 
twelve,  whose  dark  and  glowing  cheek,  rotinded  bust,  and  penetrating  glance, 
bore  striking  evidence  of  the  precociousness  of  Indi.an  beauty.    Tho.se  latter 
looked  with  evident  interest  on  the  sports  of  the  3'^oung  warriors,  who,  throw 
ing  down  t\  eir  hurdles,  either  vied  with  each  other  in  the  short  but  incredibly 
Bwift  foot-race,  or  indulged  themselves  in  wrestling  and  leaping ;  while  thefr 
companions,  abandoned  to  <^he  full  security  they  felt  to  be  attached  to  the 
white  flag  waving  on  the  fi/.'t,  lay  at  their  lazy  length  upon  the  sward,  osten 
iibly  following  the  movements  of  the  several  competitors  in  theie  sports,  hut 
in  realr^y  \^ith  heart  and  eye  directed  solely  to  the  fortificatior  that  !•>  bi* 
Tond.    Each  of  these  females,  in  addition  to  the  machecoti.  or  pcti  /oat,  w  hi  b 
In  one  solid  square  of  broad-cloth  was  tightly  wrapped  around  the  loins,  also 


>er  of  squaws. 
s,  and  were  of 


TTACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnECT.  ^Q^f 

farrfed  a  WanVet  loosely  thrown  around  the  person,  but  closely  confined  oror 
the  shotiMers  in  front,  and  reaching  below  the  knee.  There  was  an  air  of  con- 
Ftraint  in  their  movements,  which  accorded  ill  with  the  occasion  of  festivity 
for  which  they  were  assembled  ;  and  it  was  remarkable,  whether  it  arose  from 
deference  to  those  to  whom  they  were  slaves,  as  wel'  us  wives  and  daughters, 
or  iVom  whatever  othur  cause  it  iiii^^ht  he,  none  of  them  ventured  to  recline 
themselves  upon  the  sward  in  imitation  of  the  warriors. 

When  it  had  been  made  known  to  the  governor  that  the  Indians  had  begtm 
to  develope  themselves  in  force  upon  the  '^onmion  imarmed,  yet  redolent  with 
the  spirit  that  was  to  direct  their  meditated  sports,  the  soldiers  were  disnussed 
from  their  respective  companies  to  the  ramparts ;  where  they  were  now  to  be 
poen,  not  diawn  up  in  formidable  and  hostile  array,  but  collected  together  in 
rareless  groups,  and  simply  in  their  side-arms.  This  reciprocation  of  con- 
fidence on  the  part  of  the  garrison  was  acknowledged  by  the  Indians  by 
marks  of  approbation,  expressed  as  much  by  the  sudden  and  classic  disposi- 
tion of  their  fine  forms  into  attittides  strikingly  illustrative  of  their  admiration 
and  pleasure,  as  by  the  intcrjectional  sounds  tliat  passed  from  one  to  the  other 
of  the  thror)g.  From  the  increased  alacrity  with  which  they  now  lent  them- 
selves to  the  preparatory  and  inferior  amusements  of  the  day,  it  was  evident 
their  satisfaction  was  complete. 

Hitherto  the  principal  chiefs  had,  as  on  the  previous  occasion,  occupied  the 
homb-proof ;  and  now,  as  then,  they  appeared  to  be  deliberating  among  them- 
selves, but  evidently  in  a  more  energetic  .and  .serious  manner.  At  length  they 
separated,  when  Pontcac.  accompanied  by  the  chiefs  who  had  attended  him 
an  the  foimer  day,  once  more  led  in  the  direction  of  the  fort.  The  moment 
of  his  advance  was  the  signal  for  the  commencement  of  the  principal  game. 
In  an  instant  those  of  the  warriors  who  lay  reclining  on  the  sward  sprang 
to  their  feet,  while  the  wrestlers  and  racers  resumed  their  hurdles,  and  prepar- 
ed them.selves  for  the  trial  of  mingled  skill  and  swiftness.  At  first  they 
formed  a  dense  group  in  the  centre  of  the  common  ;  and  then,  diverging  in 
two  equal  files  both  to  the  right  and  to  the  left  of  the  immediate  centre, 
where  the  large  ball  was  placed,  formed  rfn  open  chain,  extending  from  the 
Rkirt  of  the  forest  to  the  roiMTucncement  of  the  village.  On  the  one  side  were 
fanged  the  Delawares  and  Shawanees.  and  on  the  other  the  more  numerous 
nations  of  the  Ottawas.  The  women  of  these  several  tribes,  apparently  much 
interested  in  the  i.ssue  of  an  amusement  in  which  the  manliness  and  activity 
of  their  respective  friends  were  .staked,  had  gradually  and  imperceptibly  gain- 
ed the  front  of  the  fort,  where  they  were  now  huddled  in  groups,  at  abotit 
twenty  paces  from  the  drawbridge,  and  bending  eagerly  forward  to  command 
the  movements  of  the  ball-players. 

In  his  circuit  round  the  walls.  Ponteac  was  seen  to  remark  the  confiding 
nppearance  of  the  unarmed  soldiery  with  a  satisfaction  that  was  not  sought 
to  be  disguised  ;  and  from  the  n.anner  in  which  he  threw  his  glance  along 
onoh  face  of  the  rampart,  it  was  evi(»ont  his  object  was  to  embrace  the  numeri- 
cal strength  collected  there.  It  was  moreovei"  observed,  when  he  passed  the 
groups  of  squaws  on  his  way  to  the  gate,  he  addressed  some  words  in  a 
strange  tongue  to  the  elder  matrons  of  each. 

Once  more  the  dark  warriors  were  received  art  the  gate,  by  Major  Blackwater ; 
and,  as  with  firm  but  elastic  tread,  they  moved  across  the  square,  each  threw 
his  eyes  rapidly  and  anxiously  aroundj  and  with  less  of  concealment  in  his 


.  '  •  ■, 


■  4  J  Ji- 


•i 


\4 


Pi 


108 


WAGOUSTA,  OE,  THE  PROPHECY. 


■i!i 


If 


manner  than  had  heen  manifested  on  the  ibrmer  oocasdon.  On  every  hatrl 
Iho  same  air  of  nakedness  and  desertion  met  their  gaze.  Not  even  a  soldier 
of  iho  guard  was  to  be  seen ;  and  when  they  cast  their  eyes  upwards  to  tiic 
windows  of  the  block-houses,  they  were  found  to  be  tenantless  as  the  aroa 
through  whii^h  they  passed.  A  gleam  of  fierce  satisfaction  ncr^adcd  tht 
<u  irthy  countenances  of  the  Indians;  and  the  featiu-es  of  Pontroc  in  particuUr 
expressed  the  deepest  exultation.  I  nstead  of  loading  hw  party,  ht  now  brought 
up  the  rear ;  and  when  arrived  in  the  centre  of  the  fort,  he,  without  any  vifii- 
bJH  «;ause  for  the  accident,  st  inihied,  and  fell  to  the  earth.  The  other  chiefs 
.or  the  moment  lost  sight  of  their  ordinary  gravity,  and  marked  their  sense 
<>f  the  circumstance  by  a  piolonged  sound,  partaking  of  the  mingled  charac- 
ter of  a  laugh  and  a  yell.  Startled  it  the  cry.  Major  Blackwater,  who  was  in 
front,  turned  to  ascertain  the  cause.  At  that  monjent  Ponteac  sprang  lightly 
again  to  his  feet,  responding  to  the  yell  of  his  confederates  by  another  even 
nioie  startling,  fierce,  and  prolonged  than  their  own.  lie  then  stalked  proud- 
ly to  the  hcj^  of  the  party,  and  even  preceded  Major  Blackwater  into  the 
•oiincil  room. 

In  this  rude  theatre  of  conference  some  changes  had  been  made  since  their 
rwent  visit,  which  escaped  not  the  observation  of  the  quick-sighted  chiefs. 
'I'lseir  mats  lay  in  the  position  they  had  previously  occupied,  and  the  chairs 
ol'  the  officers  were  placed  as  before,  but  the  room  itself  had  been  considerably 
enlarged.  The  slight  partition  terminating  the  interior  extremity  of  the 
iiu'ss-room,  and  dividing  it  from  that  of  one  of  the  oflicers,  had  been  removed  ; 
and  midway  through  this,  extending  entirely  across,  was  drawn  a  curtain  of 
sf'arlet  cloth,  against  which  the  imposing  figure  of  the  governor,  elevated  as 
his  scat  was  above  those  of  the  other  officers,  was  thrown  into  strong  relief. 
There  was  another  change,  that  escaped  not  the  observation  of  the  Indians, 
and  that  was,  not  more  than  one  half  of  the  officers  who  had  been  present  at 
Ihe  first  conference  were  now  in  the  room.  Of  these  latter,  one  had,  more- 
over, been  sent  away  by  the  governor  the  moment  the  chiefs  were  ushered  in. 

"  Ugh  !"  ejaculated  the  proud  leader,  as  he  took  his  seat  unceremoniously, 
and  yet  not  withotit  reluctance,  upon  the  mat.  "  The  council-room  of  my 
father,  is  bigger  than  when  the  Ottawa  was  here  before,  yet  the  number  of  his 
chief-i  is  not  so  many." 

*•  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  knows  that  the  Saganaw  has  promised  the 
red  skins  a  feast,"  retarned  the  governor.  "  Were  he  to  leave  it  to  his  j'^oung 
warriors  to  provide  it,  he  would  not  be  able  to  receive  the  Ottawa  like  a  great 
chief  and  to  make  peace  with  him  as  he  could  wish." 

"  My  father  has  p.  great  deal  of  cloth,  red,  like  the  blood  of  a  pale  face," 
|)ursued  the  Indian,  rather  in  demand  than  in  observation,  as  he  pointed  with 
iiis  finger  to  the  opposite  end  of  the  room.  "  When  the  Ottawa  was  here  last, 
3e  did  not  see  it." 

"  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  knows  that  the  great  father  of  the  Saga- 
naw has  a  big  heart  to  make  presents  to  the  red  skins.  The  cloth  the 
Ottawa  sees  there  is  sufficient  to  make  leggings  for  the  chiefs  of  all  the  na- 
tions." 

Apparently  satisfied  with  this  reply,  the  fierce  Indian  uttered  one  of  his 
strong  guttural  and  assentient  "  ughs,"  and  then  commenced  filling  the  pipe 
of  peace,  correct  on  the  present  occasion  in  all  its  ornaments,  which  was 
banded  to  him  by  the  Delaware  chief.    It  was  remarked  by  the  officers  this 


WACOUftTA.  Oii,  TUE  l-UOPilAnC. 


109 


operation  tooR  up  an  unusually  luug  portion  of  hid  time,  ani  that  he  frequently 
turned  his  ear,  bke  a  horse  stirred  by  the  huntsman's  he  m,  with  quick  and 
irrepressible  eagftrcoBS  towards  the  door. 

''  The  pale  warrior,  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  is  not  here,"  said  the 
governor,  as  he  qianced  his  eye  alonji  the  semicircle  of  Indians.  ''  How  it) 
this "  Is  his  voice  still  sick,  that  he  cannot  come ;  or  has  the  great  chief  of 
the  Ottawas  foigotten  to  tell  liira  ?" 

"The  voice  of  the  }>ale  warrior  is  still  sick,  and  he  cannot  speak."  repi.«.d 
the  Indian.  '"  The  tittawji  chief  is  very  sorry  ;  for  the  tongue  of  his  fruuii 
the  pale  face  is  full  of  wisdom." 

bcurcely  had  the  last  words  escaped  his  lips,  when  a  wild  shrill  cry  from 
vrithout  the  fort  rang  on  the  ears  of  the  assembled  council,  and  caused  a  ino- 
raentary  commotion  amonj!;  the  officers.  It  arose  fiom  a  sinffle  voice,  and  thiit 
vnice  oould  not  be  inistMkea  bv  any  who  had  heard  it  once  b"foro.  \  )ii'vt,'.*A 
or  tw3.  duriug  which  the  officers  and  chiefs  kept  their  eyes  intently  f^xed  ma 
each  other,  pa.ssed  an.xiously  away,  and  then  nearer  to  the  gate.  a|)i)arenll y 
on  the  very  drawbridge  itself  was  pealed  forth  the  wild  and  deafening  yell  of 
a  legion  of  devilish  voices.  At  that  sound,  the  Ottawa  an<i  the  other  chief*! 
sprang  to  their  feet,  and  their  own  tierce  cry  responded  to  that  yet  vibrating 
on  the  ears  of  all.  Alrejidy  weie  their  gleaming  tomahawks  )>randished 
wildly  over  their  heads,  and  Ponteac  had  even  bounded  a  pace  forward  to 
reach  the  governor  with  the  deadly  weapon,  when  at  the  sudden  stamping  of  - 
the  foot  of  the  latter  upon  the  floor,  the  scarlet  cloth  in  the  rear  was  throwt 
aside,  and  twenty  soldiers,  their  eyes  glancing  along  the  barrels  of  then 
levelled  muskets,  met  the  startled  gaze  of  the  astonished  Indians. 

An  instant  was  enough  to  satisfy  the  keen  chief  of  the  true  state  of  the  case. 
The  calm  composed  mien  of  the  officers,  not  one  of  whom  had  even  attempted 
to  quit  his  seat,  amid  the  din  by  which  his  ears  were  so  alarmingly  assailed,— 
the  triumphant,  yet  dignified,  and  even  severe  expression  of  the  govenor'a 
countenance ;  and  above  all^  the  unexpected  presence  of  the  prepared  soldiery, — 
all  these  at  once  assured  him  of  the  di.scovery  of  his  treachery,  and  the  danger 
that  awaited  him.  The  necessity  for  an  immediate  attempt  to  join  his  war- 
riors without,  was  now  obvious  to  the  Ottawa ;  and  scarcely  had  he  conceived 
the  idea  before  it  was  sought  to  be  executed.  In  a  single  spring  he  gained 
the  door  of  the  mess-room,  and,  followed  eagerly  and  tumultuously  by  the 
other  chiefs,  to  whose  departure  no  opposition  was  ottered,  in  the  next  moment 
stood  on  the  stops  of  the  piazza  that  ran  along  the  front  of  the  building 
whence  he  had  issued.  ^ 

The  surprise  of  the  Indians  on  reaching  this  point  was  now  too  powerful  to 
be  dissembled ;  and,  incapable  either  of  advancing  or  receding,  they  remained 
gazing  on  the  scene  before  them  with  an  air  of  mingled  stupefaction,  rage,  and 
alarm.  Scarcely  ten  minutes  had  elapsed  since  they  had  proudly  strode 
through  the  naked  area  of  the  fort,  and  yst,  even  in  that  short  space  of  time, 
its  appearance  had  been  entirely  changed.  Not  a  part  was  there  now  of  the 
surrounding  buildings  that  was  not  redolent  with  human  life,  and  hostile 
preparation.  Through  every  windov^  of  the  officers'  low  rooms,  was  to  be 
seen  the  dark  and  frowning  muzzle  of  a  field-piece,  beai'ing  upon  the  gateway : 
and  behind  these  were  artillerymen,  holding  their  lighted  matches,  supported 
again  by  files  of  bayonets,  that  glittered  in  their  rear.    In  the  block-housee 


<       .tl 


f 


m 


.''^^ 


J  I 


■-'■  -"'j 

ill 
1!  ' 


110 


WACOUWTA,  Olt,  TIIK  PROPHECY. 


II 


the  saiuo  formidable  array  of  field-pieces  and  muskets  was  visible  ;  «rhilo  IVom 
the  four  angles  of  tlie  square,  as  many  heavy  gims,  that  had  been  artfully 
masked  at  the  entrance  of  the  chiefK,  seemed  ready  to  sweep  away  every  thing 
^at  should  come  before  them.  The  guard-room  near  the  pate  presented  the 
same  hostile  front.  The  doors  of  this,  as  well  as  of  the  other  buildings,  had 
been  firmly  secured  within ;  but  from  every  window  affording  cover  to  the 
troops,  gleamed  a  line  of  bayonets  rising  above  the  threatening  field-piece.s, 
pointed,  at  a  distance  of  little  more  than  twelve  feet,  directly  upon  the  gate- 
way. In  addition  i:o  his  musket,  each  man  of  the  guard  moreover  held  a  hand 
grenade,  provided  with  a  short  fuze  that  could  be  ignited  in  a  moment  fronj 
the  matches  of  the  gunners,  and  with  immediate  eftect.  The  soldiers  in  the 
block-hou»es  were  similarly  provided. 

Almost  magical  as  was  the  change  thus  suddenly  offccted  in  the  appearance 
of  the  garrison,  it  was  not  the  most  interesting  featu-e  in  the  exciting  acone. 
Choking  up  the  gateway,  in  which  they  were  completely  wedged,  nm\  crowd- 
ing the  drawbridge,  a  dense  mass  of  dusky  Indians  were  to  be  seen  casting; 
their  fierce  glances  around  ;  yet  paralysed  in  their  movements  by  the  unlookec' 
for  display  of  a  resisting  force,  threatening  instant  annihilation  to  those  who 
should  attempt  either  to  advance  or  to  recede.  Never,  perhaps,  was  astonish- 
ment and  disappointment  more  forcibly  depicted  on  tlie  hiunau  countenance. 
than  as  they  were  now  exhibited  by  these  men.  who  had  already,  in  imagina- 
tion, secured  to  themselves  an  easy  concjucst.  They  were  the  warriors  wl-.o 
had  so  recently  b^ftu  engaged  in  the  manly  yet  innocent  exercise  of  the  ball; 
out,  instead  of  the  harmless  hiu:dle,  each  now  carried  a  short  gun  in  one  hanil 
and  a  gleaming  tcvmahawk  in  the  other.  After  the  first  general  yelling  heard 
in  the  council-room  not  a  sou.id  was  uttered.  Their  burst  of  rage  and 
triumph  had  evidently  been  checked  by  the  unexpected  manner  of  their 
reception,  and  they  now  stood  on  the  spot  on  which  the  further  advance  of 
each  had  been  arrested,  so  silent  and  motionless,  that,  but  for  the  rolling  of 
their  dark  eyes,  as  they  keenly  measured  the  insurmountable  barriers  that 
were  opposed  to  their  progress,  they  might  almost  have  been  taken  for  a  wild 
group  of  statuary. 

Conspicuous  at  the  head  of  these  was  he  who  wore  the  blanket ;  a  tall  war 
rior,  on  whom  rested  the  startled  eye  of  every  officer  and  soldier  who  was  so 
situated  as  to  behold  him.  His  face  was  pauited  bla^k  as  death ;  and  as  ho 
stood  under  the  arch  of  the  gateway,  with  his  white  turbaned  head  towering 
far  above  those  of  his  companions,  this  formidable  and  mysterious  enemy 
mi^hl  *»%ye  been  likened  to  the  spirit  of  darkness  presiding  over  his  terrible 
legiopj}. 

.  In  oruor  to  account  for  the  extraordinary  appearance  of  the  Indians,  armed 
iu  every  way  for  death,  at  a  moment  when  neither  gun  nor  tomahawk  was 
apparently  within  miles  of  their  reach,  it  will  be  necessary  to  revert  to  the 
tij-st  entrance  of  the  chiefs  into  the  fort.  The  fall  of  Ponteac  had  been  the 
effect  of  design ;  and  the  yell  pealed  forth  by  him,  on  recovering  his  feet,  as 
if  in  taunting  reply  to  the  laugh  of  his  comrades,  was  in  reality  a  signal  in- 
tended for  the  guidance  of  the  Indians  without.  These,  now  following  up 
their  game  with  increasing  spirit,  at  once  changed  the  direction  of  their  lino, 
bringing  the  ball  neai'er  to  tlie  fort.  In  their  eagerness  to  effect  thip  object, 
they  hjjd  Qv^rlQojced  the  gradual  secession  of  the  unaimed  troops,  spectators 


^VACOU&TA,  OK,  THK  PROPHECY. 


Ill 


ible ;  while  from 
lad  been  artfully 
iway  every  thing 
te  presented  the 
jr  buildings,  had 
ng  cover  to  tlie 
ning  lield-piece8, 
jT  upon  the  gate- 
iover  held  a  hand 
I  a  moment  from 
e  soldiorsi  in  the 

in  the  appearanca 
le  exciting  ncone. 
(Iged,  and  crowd- 
•  be  seen  casting 
by  the  nnlooko^'. 
Lion  to  those  who 
ps,  was  astonish- 
nau  countenance, 
•eady,  in  imaglna- 
;he  warriors  who 
ercise  of  the  ball ; 
t  gun  in  one  hand 
(iral  yelling  heard 
)urst  of  rage  and 

manner  of  their 
rther  advance  of 
or  the  rolling  of 

)\e  barriers  that 
n  taken  for  a  wild 

mket ;  a  tall  war 
)ldier  who  was  so 
death ;  and  as  ho 
ed  head  towering 
lysterious  enemy 
over  his  terrible 

le  Indians,  armed 
tomahawk  was 
to  revert  to  the 
lac  had  been  the 
ering  his  feet,  as 
ality  a  signal  in- 
lOw  following  up 
tion  of  their  lino, 
iffect  thiF  object, 
oopSj  spectators 


of  laclr  sport,  fVom  the  ramparts,  until  scarcely  more  than  twenty  stragglem 
were  left.  As  tliey  neared  the  gate,  the  squaws  broke  up  their  several  groups, 
and,  forming  a  line  on  either  hand  of  the  road  leading  to  the  di'awbridge,  ap- 
peared to  separate  solely  with  a  view  not  to  impede  the  action  of  the  players. 
For  an  instant  a  dense  group  collected  around  the  ball,  which  had  been  driven 
to  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  gate,  and  tifty  hurdles  were  crossed  in  their 
endeavors  to  secure  it,  whjn  the  warrior,  who  formed  the  solitary  exception 
lo  the  multitude,  in  his  blanket  covering,  and  who  had  been  lingering  in  the 
extreme  rear  of  the  party,  came  rapidly  up  to  the  spot  where  the  well-affected 
stiu;i;gle  was  maintained.  At  his  approach,  the  hurdles  of  the  oth^r  players 
wore  withdrawn,  when,  at  a  single  blow  of  his  powerful  arm,  the  ball  was 
seen  Hying  into  the  air  in  an  oblique  direction,  and  was  for  a  moment  lost  al- 
t.);;ether  to  the  view.  When  it  again  met  the  eye,  it  was  descending  perpen- 
dicularly into  the  very  centre  of  the  fort. 

With  the  fleetness  of  thought  now  commenced  a  race  that  had  ostensibly 
fur  its  object  the  recovery  of  the  lost  ball ;  and  in  which,  he  who  had  driven 
it  with  such  resistless  force,  outstripped  them  all.  Their  course  lay  between 
ilie  two  lines  of  squaws ;  and  scarcely  had  the  leads  of  the  bounding  Indiana 
reached  the  opposite  extremity  of  those  lines,  when  the  women  suddenly 
threw  back  theii*  blankets,  and  disclosed  each  a  short  gun  and  a  tomahawk. 
To  ilirow  away  their  hurdles  and  se  ze  upon  these,  was  the  work  of  an  in- 
stant. Already,  in  imagination,  was  the  fort  their  own ;  and,  such  was  the 
{it'culiar  exultation  of  the  black  and  turbaned  warrior,  when  he  felt  the  planku 
(>!'  the  drawl  ridge  bending  beneath  his  feet,  all  the  ferocious  joy  of  his  soul 
w  as  pealed  '.brth  in  the  terrible  cry  which,  rapidly  succeeded  by  that  of  the 
other  India  as,  had  resounded  so  fearfully  through  the  council  I'oom.  What 
their  di^i;ppointmcnt  was,  when,  on  gaining  tke  interior,  they  found  the  garri- 
son prepared  for  their  reception,  has  already  been  shown. 

•'  Secure  that  traitor,  men  1"  exclaimed  the  governor,  advancing  into  tho 
B(iuare,  and  pointing  to  the  black  warrior,  whose  quick  eye  was  nov/  glancing 
on  every  side,  to  discover  some  assailable  point  in  the  formidable  defences  of 
iho  troops. 

A  laagh  of  scorn  and  derision  escaped  the  lips  of  the  warrior.  "  Is  there  a 
£LAn — are  there  any  ten  men,  even  with  Governor  de  HaldimjVi  at  their  head, 
who  wU  be  bold  enough  to  attempt  it  ?"  he  asked.  "  Nay !"  he  pursuedL 
stepping  boldly  a  pace  or  two  in  front  of  the  wondering  savages, — "  here  I 
stand  singly,  and  defj  your  whole  garrison !" 

A  sudden  movement  among  the  soldiers  in  the  guard-room  announced  they 
wore  preparing  to  execute  the  order  of  their  chief.  The  eye  of  the  black 
tva.Tior  sparkled  with  ferocious  pleasure ;  and  he  made  a  gesture  to  his  fol- 
lowers, which  was  replied  to  by  the  sudden  tension  of  their  hitherto  relaxed 
forms  into  attitudes  of  expectance  and  preparation. 

'•  Stay,  men ;  quit  not  your  cover  for  your  lives  !"  commanded  the  governor 
in  a  loud  deep  voice : — "  keep  the  barricades  fast,  and  move  not." 

A  cloud  of  anger  and  disappointment  passed  over  the  features  of  the  black 
warrior.  It  was  evident  the  object  of  his  bravado  was  to  draw  the  troopa 
from  their  defences,  that  they  might  be  so  mingled  with  their  enemies  as  to 
render  the  cannon  useless,  unless  friends  and  foes  Twhich  was  by  no  means 
probable)  should  alike  be  sacriticed.  The  governor  uad  penetrated  the  desi^ 
in  time  to  prevent  the  mischief. 


112 


WACOUi/i'A,  OU,  THE  PROPHECT. 


I>  i 


\ 


■i      i 


In  a  moment  of  uncontrollable  lagc,  the  savage  warrior  aimed  his  tomahawk 
at  the  head  of  the  governor.  The  latter  stepped  lightly  aside,  and  the  steel 
sank  with  such  force  into  one  of  the  posts  supporting  the  piazza,  that  tl  a 
quivering  handle  snapped  close  ofl"  at  its  head.  A:  that  moment,  a  single  shot, 
fired  from  the  guard-house,  was  diouned  in  i\w  yell  of  approbation  which 
burst  from  the  lips  of  the  dark  crowd.  The  turban  of  the  warrior  was,  how- 
ever, seen  flying  through  the  air,  carried  away  by  the  force  of  the  buUei  which 
bad  torn  it  from  his  head.     He  himself  was  unharmed. 

"  A  narrow  escape  for  us  both,  Colonel  de  Ilaldimur,"  he  observed,  as  soon 
as  the  yell  had  subsided,  and  with  an  air  of  the  most  perfect  unconcern. 
*'  Had  my  tomahawk  obeyed  the  first  impulse  of  my  heart,  I  should  have 
cursed  myself  and  died:  as  it  is,  I  have  reason  to  avoid  all  useless  exposi- 
of  my  own  life,  at  present.  A  second  bullet  may  be  better  directed  ;  a«d  to 
die,  robbed  of  my  revenge,  would  ill  answer  the  purpose  of  a  life  devoted  to  its 
attainment.    Remember  my  pledge !" 

At  the  hasty  command  of  the  governor,  a  hundred  muskets  were  raised  to 
the  shoulders  of  his  men ;  but,  before  a  single  eye  could  glance  along  the  bar- 
rel, the  formidable  and  active  warrior  had  bounded  over  the  heads  of  the  near- 
est Indians  into  a  small  space  that  was  left  unoccupied ;  when,  stooring  sud- 
denly to  the  earth,  he  disappeared  altogether  from  the  view  of  his  enemies. 
A  slight  moving  in  the  centre  of  the  numerous  band  crowding  the  gateway,  and 
ejttending  even  beyond  the  bridge,  was  now  discernible :  it  was  like  the  waving 
of  a  field  of  standing  corn,  through  which  some  animal  rapidly  wuidr?  its  tor- 
tuous course,  bending  aside  as  the  object  advances,  and  closing  a^  lin  when  it 
has  passed.  After  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  the  terrible  waz  rior  was  seen  to 
spring  again  to  his  feet,  far  in  the  rear  of  the  band ;  and  then,  uttering  a  fierce 
shout  of  exultation,  to  make  good  his  retreat  towards  the  forest. 

Meanwhile,  Ponteac  and  the  other  chiefs  of  the  council  continued  rooted  to 
the  piazza  on  wh?ch  they  had  rushed  at  the  unexpected  display  of  the  armed 
men  behind  tlie  scarlet  curtain.  The  loud  "  Waugh  "  that  burst  from  the  lips 
of  all,  on  finding  themHves  thus  foiled  in  their  schemes  of  massacre,  liad  been 
succeeded,  the  'nstant  arterwards,  by  feelings  of  personal  apprehension,  which 
each,  however,  had  collectedness  enough  to  disguise.  Once  the  Ottawa  made 
a  movement  as  if  he  would  have  cleared  the  space  that  kept  him  from  his  war- 
riors ;  but  the  emphatical  pointing  of  the  finger  of  Colonel  de  Hnldimar  to  the 
levelled  muf  kets  of  the  men  in  the  block-houses  prevented  him,  and  the  at- 
tempt was  rot  repeated.  It  was  remarked  by  the  oiBBcers,  who  also  stood  on 
the  piazza,  <!lose  behind  the  chiefs,  when  the  black  warrior  threw  his  toma- 
hawk at  thft  governor,  a  shade  of  displeasure  passed  over  the  features  of  the 
Ottawa ;  awA  that,  when  h*»  found  tlie  daring  attempt  wa^  not  retaliated  nn 
His  people,  his  countenance  had  beeu  momentarily  lighted  up  with  a  satisfied' 
expression,  appa  •«intly  marking  his  swuse  of  forbearance  so  unexpectedly 
shown. 

"  What  says  1  le  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  now  ?"  asked  the  governor, 
calmly,  and  breaking  a  profound  silence  that  had  succeeded  to  the  last  f  erce 
yell  of  the  formidable  being  just  departed.  "Was  the  Saganaw  not  right, 
when  he  said  the  Ottawa  came  with  guile  in  his  heart,  and  a  lie  upon  his  lips  7 
But  the  Saganaw  is  not  a  fool,  and  he  can  road  the  thoughts  of  his  enemies 
upon  tUeir  faces,  and  long  before  their  lips  have  spoken." 


i  if 


arrior  was,  how- 
the  buUei  which 


of  his  enemies. 


VA«o»TA.  rs,  TK*  yftoraacr. 


113 


'  Ugh  r  ejaculated  the  Indian ;  '*  my  father  ii  a  greftt  chief,  and  his  head  Is 
taH  of  wisdom.  Had  he  been  feeble,  like  the  other  chiefs  of  tne  Suganawi  the 
gtronjrhold  of  the  Detroit  must  have  .'lien,  and  the  red  skris  would  have 
dincufi  their  war  dance  round  the  Hcalps  **(  bis  young  men,  even  in  the  council 
room  where  they  came  to  talk  of  peace." 

'  UoeM  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  see  the  oig  thunder  of  the  Saganaw?" 
pufKucd  the  governor:  ^4f  not,  let  him  open  his  eyes  and  look.  The  Sagtinuw 
has  but  to  move  his  lips,  and  swifter  than  the  lightning  would  the  pale  faces 
Bweep  away  the  warriors  of  the  Ottawa,  even  whsre  they  now  stand :  in  less 
time  than  the  Sagnnaw  is  now  speaking,  would  they  mow  them  down  like  the 
grass  of  the  praffie." 

"  Ugh !"  again  exclaimed  tho  chief,  with  mixed  doggeduess  and  fierceness : 
'•  if  wiiat  my  father  says  is  true,  why  does  he  not  pour  out  his  anger  upon  the 
red  skins  7" 

"  Let  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  listen,"  replied  the  governor  with  dig- 
nity. "  When  the  great  chiefs  of  all  the  !^ations  that  are  in  league  with  the 
Ottawas  came  last  to  the  council,  the  Saganaw  knew  that  they  carried  deceit  in 
their  hearts,  and  that  they  never  meant  to  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace,  or  to  bury 
the  hatciii't  in  the  ground.  The  Saganaw  might  have  kept  them  prisoners, 
that  their  warriors  might  be  without  a  head ;  but  he  had  given  his  word  to 
the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  and  the  word  of  a  Saganaw  is  never  broken. 
Even  now,  while  both  the  chiefs  and  the  warriors  are  in  his  power,  he  will  not 
Blay  them,  for  he  wishes  to  show  the  Ottawa  the  desire  of  the  Saganaw  is  to 
be  friendly  with  the  red  skins,  and  not  to  destroy  them.  Wicked  men  from 
the  i^anadas  have  whispered  lies  in  the  ear  of  the  Ottawa ;  but  a  great  chief 
8houId  judge  for  himself,  and  take  council  only  (torn  the  wisdom  of  his  own 
heart.  The  Ottawa  and  his  warriors  may  go,"  he  resumed,  after  a  short  pause; 
''  the  path  by  which  they  came  is  again  open  to  them.  Let  them  depart  ia 
pca(!e ;  the  big  thunder  of  the  Saganaw  shall  not  harm  them." 

The  countenance  of  the  Indian,  who  had  clearly  seen  the  danger  of  his  posi- 
tion, wore  an  expression  of  surprise  which  could  not  be  dissembled :  low  ex* 
clamations  passed  between  hira  and  his  companions;  and,  then  pointing  to  the 
tomahawk  that  lay  half  buried  in  the  wood,  h3  said,  doubtingly, — 

"  It  was  the  pale  face,  the  friend  of  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  who 
fitnick  the  hatchet  at  my  fatiier.  The  Ottawa  is  not  a  fool  to  belie/e  th* 
Sag»  naw  can  sleep  without  revtnj:^." 

"  'i  he  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  shall  know  us  better,"  was  the  reply. 
"  The  young  warriors  of  the  Sagana«i^  might  destroy  their  enemies  where  they 
now  stand,  but  they  seek  not  their  blood.  When  the  Ottawa  chief  takes 
council  from  his  own  heart,  and  not  from  the  lips  of  a  cowardly  dog  of  a  pale 
face,  who  strikes  his  tomahawk  and  then  flies,  his  wisdom  will  tell  hiii:  to 
make  peace  with  the  Saganaw,  whose  warriors  are  without  treachery,  even  as 
thev  are  without  fear." 

Another  of  those  deep  interjcctionai  "  ughs  "  escaped  the  chest  of  the  proud 
Indian. 

"  What  my  father  says  is  good."  he  retmned ;  "  but  the  pale  fkce  is  a  great 
warrior,  and  the  Ottawa  chief  is  his  friend.    The  Ottawa  will  go." 

He  t'aen  addressed  a  few  sentences,  in  a  tongue  unknown  to  the  ofScers,  to  th9 
OwarUy  and  aiuduos  crow4  in  front.    These  were  answered  by  a  low,  suUei^ 


1. 
4?i 


-} 


n 


n 

I 


Hi 


I 


ml 

■"h  i 


,  1 


lu 


WACOUSTA,  Oil,  TIU:  TU    1'11E«.'V. 


ct  oflficntient  grunt,  from  the  united  band,  who  now  turned,  though  with  jog 
•iflable  cautiou  and  distrust,  nnd  rccrossod  the  drawhridf^c  without  hinderanoo 
from  the  troops.  Pontuoc  waited  until  the  hist  Indian  had  departed,  and  then 
making  a  movement  to  tlie  governor,  vvliich,  with  all  its  ha-anhtincsH,  \\m 
meant  to  mark  his  sense  of  the  forbearance  and  good  faitli  that  liml  been  inuui- 
footed,  once  more  stalked  proudly  and  canily  acioss  the  area,  followed  by  the 
remainder  of  the  chiefs.  The  olHcers  who  wero  with  the  povcrnor  ascendwl 
to  the  ramparts,  to  follow  t}>.eir  movements ;  and  it  woh  not  before  their  re|K)rt 
had  been  made  that  the  Indians  were  itnmcrging  once  more  into  the  heart  of 
the  forest,  the  troops  wero  withdrawn  trom  their  formidable  defences,  and  tbo 
sate  of  the  fort  again  firmly  secured. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


While  the  reader  is  left  to  pause  over  the  rapid  siiccession  of  incidents 
resultmg  from  the  mysterious  entrance  of  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis  into 
the  English  fort,  be  it  our  task  to  explain  the  circumstances  connected  with 
the  singular  disappearance  of  Captain  do  Ilaldimar,  and  the  melancholy  mur- 
der of  his  unfortunate  servant. 

It  will  bo  recollected  that  the  ill-fated  Ilalloway,  in  the  coui'sc  of  his  de- 
fence before  the  court  mai-tial  distinctly  stated  the  voice  of  the  individual  whc 
had  approached  his  post,  calling  on  the  name  of  Captain  de  Ilalditnnr,  on  the 
night  of  the  alarm,  to  have  been  that  of  a  female,  and  that  the  language  in 
which  they  subsequently  conversed  was  that  of  the  Ottawa  Indians.  'I'his 
was  strictly  the  fact ;  and  the  only  error  into  which  the  unfortunate  .soldier 
had  fallen,  had  reference  merely  to  the  character  and  motives  of  the  paity. 
He  had  naturally  imagined,  as  ho  had  stated,  it  was  some  young  female  of  the 
village,  whom  attachment  for  liis  ofiiccr  had  driven  to  the  desperate  determi- 
nation of  seeking  an  interview;  nor  was  this  impression  at  all  weakened  by 
the  subsequent  discourse  of  the  parties  in  the  Indian  tongue,  with  which  it 
was  well  knovni,  most  of  the  Canadians,  both  male  and  female,  were  more  o» 
less  conversant.  The  object  of  that  siioit.  low,  and  hurried  conference  was_ 
indeed,  one  that  well  warranted  the  singular  intrusion ;  and,  in  the  declara- 
tion of  Hulloway,  we  have  already  seen  the  importance  and  anxiety  attached 
by  the  young  oflBcer  to  the  communication.  Without  waiting  to  repeat  the 
motives  assigned  for  his  departure,  and  the  prayers  and  expostulations  to 
which  hs  had  recourse  to  overcome  the  determination  and  .sense  of  duty  of  the 
unfortunate  sentinel,  let  us  pa.ss  at  once  to  the  moment  when,  after  having 
cleared  the  ditch,  conjointly  with  his  faithful  follower,  in  the  manner  already 
Hhown,  Captain  de  Haldimar  first  stood  side  by  side  with  his  midnight  visi- 
tant. 

The  night,  it  has  elsewhere  been  observed,  was  clear  and  starry,  so  that  ob- 
jects upon  the  common,  such  a^  the  rude  stump  that  here  and  there  rai.sed  its 
dark  low  head  above  the  surface,  might  be  dimly  seen  in  the  distance.  To 
obviate  the  danger  of  discovery  by  the  sentinels,  appeared  to  be  the  first  study 
of  the  female  j  for,  when  Captain  de  Haldimar^  followed  by  his  servant,  had 


\\  At'UCSTA,  OU,  TUE  I'UorUECY. 


116 


though  with  jog 
ithout  hinder&ncc 
■parted,  and  then 
liaightiucKH,  wa.i 
t  liad  been  muni- 
.  followed  by  tlie 
jvcrnor  aHccndwl 
jfore  their  rejwrt 
into  the  heart  of 
defences,  and  tbo 


sion  of  incidents 
Fleur  de  Lis  into 
s  connected  with 
nelancholy  raur- 

oursc  of  his  dc- 

B  individual  who 

laldiinar,  on  the 

tlie  lanf;uage  in 

Indians.     This 

brtunate  soldier 

of  the  party. 

g  female  of  the 

)erate  detenni- 

weakencd  by 

with  which  it 

were  more  oi 

conference  was_ 

in  the  declara- 

xiety  attached 

to  repeat  the 

wstulations  to 

e  of  <hity  of  the 

n,  after  having 

nanner  already 

midnight  visi- 

rry,  so  that  ob- 
there  raised  its 
distance.  To 
the  first  study 
servant,  had 


rcuched  the  sjtot  on  which  she  stood,  she  put  the  foreflnjj;er  of  one  hand  to  her 
lipH.  and  with  the  ttthir  p»)intod  to  his  boote^l  foot.  A  rorresponflinp  g'\p:nal 
hhowed  that  tlie  lijihlness  (»f  the  material  olferod  little  risk  of  betrayal.  l)o- 
nellan.  liowever,  was  made  to  dolf  his  heavy  annnunition  shoes;  and,  with 
this  precaution,  they  all  stole  hastily  alonp.  tinder  the  shadows  of  the  project* 
in(r  Pimparts.  until  they  had  piin«ii  the  extreme  rear.  Here  the  female  sud- 
denly raised  her  tall  ti<;ure  from  the  stoopinjr  position  in  which  she.  as  well  ai 
her  companions,  had  fierfornied  the  danjrerous  circuit ;  and.  plncin<r  lier  flnjref 
once  more  sicniiicantly  on  her  lipH.  led  in  the  Jirectinu  of  tlie  bomb-proof,  un* 
(HTCi'ived  by  the  sentinels,  most  of  whom,  it  is  probable,  had,  up  to  the  luo* 
iiu'iit  of  the  alarm  8ub.se(iuently  f^iven,  been  too  much  overcome  by  pre\  ioui 
watchinj;  and  excitement  to  have  kept  the  most  vigilant  look  out. 

Arrived  at  the  skirt  of  the  forest,  the  little  party  drew  up  within  the  shnc 
(low  of  the  rum,  and  a  short  and  earnest  dialo};ue  ensued,  in  Indian,  between 
the  female  and  the  otlicer.  This  was  su(xee<led  by  a  command  from  the  lat- 
ter to  his  servant,  who,  after  a  moiiiciUary  but  respectful  expostulation,  whii;i, 
however,  was  utterly  lost  on  him  to  whom  it  was  addressed,  proceeded  tO  di- 
vest himself  of  hid  humble  apparel,  assumiii};  in  exchange  the  moie  elegant 
uniform  of  his  superior.  Donellan.  who  was  also  of  the  grenadiers  was  ro- 
markitble  for  the  resemblance  he  bore,  in  ligure,  to  Captain  do  li..  dimar ; 
wanting,  it  is  true,  the  gra«e  and  freedom  of  movement  of  the  latter,  Lat  still 
presenting  an  outline  which,  in  an  attitude  of  profound  repose,  might,  as  it 
subsequently  did,  !*ave  set  even  tho.se  wlio  were  most  intimate  with  the  olHcer 
at  fault. 

'*  This  is  well,"  observed  the  female,  as  the  young  man  proceeded  to  induct 
himself  in  the  grey  coat  of  his  servant,  having  previously  drawn  the  glazed 
bat  close  over  his  waving  and  redundant  hair  ;  "  if  the  Saganaw  is  ready,  Uu- 
canasta  will  go." 

"  Sure,  and  your  honor  does  not  mane  to  lave  mo  behind  !"  exclaimed  the 
anxious  soldier,  as  his  captain  now  recoinmende  J  him  to  stand  close  concealed 
near  the  ruin  until  his  return.  "  Who  knows  what  ambuscade  the  she-divil 
may  lead  your  honor  into ;  and  thin  who  will  you  have  to  bring  you  out 
of  it?" 

"  No,  Donellan,  it  must  not  be :  I  first  intended  it.  us  you  may  perceive  by 
my  bringing  you  out ;  but  the  expedition  on  which  I  am  going  is  of  the  ut- 
most importance  to  us  all,  and  too  much  precaution  cannot  be  taken.  I  fear 
no  ambuscade,  for  I  can  depend  on  the  fi(lelity  of  my  guide  ;  but  the  presence 
of  a  third  person  would  only  embarrass,  without  assisting  me  in  the  least. 
You  must  remain  behind  ;  the  woman  insists  upon  it,  and  there  is  no  more  to 
be  said." 

"To  oidd  Nick  with  the  ugly  witch,  for  her  pains !"  half  muttered  the  dis- 
appointed soldier  to  himself.  •'  I  wish  it  may  be  as  your  honor  says  ;  but  my 
mind  misgives  me  sadly  that  evil  will  come  of  this.  Has  your  honor  secured 
the  pistols  1" 

"They  are  here,"  returned  his  captain,  placing  a  hand  on  either  chest. 
"  And  now,  Donellan,  mark  me :  I  know  nothing  that  can  detain  me  longer 
than  an  hour ;  at  least  the  woman  assures  me.  and  1  believe  her,  that  I  may 
be  back  then ;  but  it  is  well  to  guard  against  accidents.  You  must  continue 
hei'e  fur  the  hour,  and  for  tho  hour  Oj^dy.    if  1  come  not  then,  return  to  the 


fj 

.1! 


■    I 


'i 


'  ••! 


.in 


116 


WACOUITl.  «U3,  'UlE  I'liOrSLELT. 


'  i'- 


u 


Ibrt  without  delay,  for  tlio  rope  muut  De  roiiiovcd.  and  the  gate  secured  before 
flalloway  i^4  nlicvud.  The  keys  you  will  lind  in  the  jiocket  ot  my  uniform  : 
whun  yuu  liavt*  dune  with  them,  let  tham  he  hunt;  up  in  their  proper  place  in 
the  ifiiard-ruuia.  My  father  n>u8t  not  knoweitlier  that  Ilailoway  suffered 
me  to  pass  the  nato,  or  tliat  you  accompanied  mo." 

"  liOrd  lov»*  iin  1  your  honor  talks  as  if  you  would  nivcr  return,  giving  such 
a  heap  of  orders  !"  exclaimed  the  startled  mun  ;  "  hut  if  I  go  back  alone,  a« 
I  trust  in  heaven  I  shall  not,  how  am  I  to  account  for  being  dressed  in  your 
honor's  regiiueiitals  ?" 

''  I  tell  you,  Donellan,"  impatiently  returned  the  offlccr,  "  that  I  shall  ho 
hiUik  ;  hut  I  only  wish  to  guard  apiiust  aa'idents.  The  insUiut  you  got  into 
Uie  fort,  you  will  take  off  my  clothes  and  resume  your  own.  Wlio  tie  devil 
is  t>  see  you  iit  the  'ii.iform,  unless  it  be  Ilailoway  ?" 

'•  If  the  Sa<:anaw  would  not  see  the  earth  red  with  the  blood  of  hij*  rnre, 
he  will  >;o."  iiitonMiptod  the  female.  "  O'. canasta  am  feel  the  breath  of  the 
mornin<r  fresh  upon  her  cheek.  .»nd  the  council  of  the  chiefs  must  be  begtm." 

''  The  Sairanaw  is  ready,  and  Oucanasta  shall  lead  the  way,"  hastily  returned 
*hf  olticei  '•  One  word  more,  Donellan.'"  and  he  pr  rssed  the  hand  <f  his  do^ 
mestic  kindly:  "should  I  not  return,  you  muit,  without  committ..ig  tiallo- 
way  or  youi-.self,  cause  my  fath'ir  to  be  apprised  that  the  Indians  meditate  a 
deep  and  treacheious  plan  to  get  po.s.sess  on  of  the  fort.  What  that  plan  is, 
1  know  not  yet  myself,  neither  does  this  •vimum  know ;  but  she  says  I  shall 
htar  it  discussed  unseen,  even  in  the  hei  !t  of  their  own  encantpment.  All 
you  have  to  do  is  to  ac(|uaint  my  father  \\  ith  the  existence  of  danger.  And 
LOW  be  cautious:  above  all  things,  keep  c'ose  under  the  shadow  of  the  bomb- 
proof; for  there  are  scouts  constantly  prowling  about  the  common,  and  the 
glittering  of  the  uniform  in  the  starlight  may  l)etray  you." 

"  Hut  why  may  I  not  follow  your  honor?''  again  urged  the  faithful  soldier ; 
"  an<l  where  is  the  u.so  of  my  remaining  here  to  count  the  stars,  and  hear  the 
'all  s  well !'  from  the  fort,  when  I  could  be  so  nmch  better  employed  inguard- 
mg  your  honor  from  harm  ?  What  sort  of  protection  can  that  Ingian  womaii 
aliord,  who  is  of  the  race  of  our  bitterest  enemies,  them  cursed  Ottawas,  and 
your  honor  venturing,  too,  like  a  spy  into  the  very  heart  of  the  blood-hounds  9 
Ah,  Captain  de  Ilaldimar,  for  the  love  of  God,  do  not  trust  yourself  alone 
with  her,  or  I  am  sure  I  shall  never  see  your  honor  again  !" 

The  last  words  (unhaf)pily  too  prophetic)  fell  only  on  the  ear  of  him  whe 
uttered  them.  The  female  and  the  olHoej-  had  already  disappeared  round  an 
abruiJt  angle  of  the  bomb-proof;  and  the  soldiur,  as  directed  by  his  ma>!ter, 
now  drew  up  his  tall  figure  against  the  ruin,  where  he  continued  for  a  period 
immovable,  as  if  he  had  been  planted  there  in  his  ordinary  character  of  sen- 
tinel, listening,  until  they  eveiituall}'  died  away  in  distance,  to  the  receding 
footsteps  of  his  master;  antl  then  nmiiniiUng  on  the  several  apprehensions 
that  crowded  on  his  mind,  in  regard  to  ti. .'  probable  issue  of  his  adventurous 
project. 

Meanwhile.  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  and  h  .  guide  trod  the  mazes  of  the  forest, 
with  an  expedition  that  proved  the  latter  o  be  well  acquainted  with  its  bear- 
ings. On  quitting  the  bomb-proof,  she  lad  struck  into  a  narrow  winding 
path,  less  seen  than  felt  in  thf)  deep  gloom  pervading  the  wood,  and  with  light 
Btepo  >»^'*>tled  over  obstacles  that  lay  sircwcd  in  th*»»'«our8e,  emittinjs  scarcely 


secured  before 

my  uniform : 

roper  place  in 

oway  ButTureti 

n,  giving  Ruch 
back  alone,  m 
•esHod  in  your 

int  T  fthnll  ho 
it  yuu  eel  into 
Who  tlo  devil 

>d  of  hi!*  rnre, 
breath  of  the 
ist  ho  bcpjun." 
wtfly  rettimed 
and  (f  his  do^ 
luittt.ig  hhllo- 
in.s  inuditute  a 
it  that  plan  is, 
iic  Kays  I  shall 
inipnient.     All 
danger.     And 
V  of  the  bomb- 
imon,  and  the 

lithful  soldier ; 

and  hear  the 
[oyed  in  guard - 
Ingian  woniaji 

Ottawas,  and 

lood-hounds  ? 

ourself  alone 

Lr  of  him  who 
(red  roimd  an 

his  ma>ster, 

for  a  period 
Iracter  of  Kcn- 

the  receding 
|ipprehensions 

adventuroui 

I  of  the  forest, 
ith  its  bear- 
row  winding 
id  with  light 
btini:  scarcely 


WACOUSTA.  wit,  THF.  I'ltOPHKCY.  1|7 

more  mund  than  would  have  b.M»n  produced  by  the  slimy  crnwl  of  its  natfve 
riittlesnake.  Not  so,  however,  wi;h  the  less  cxjMTicnced  tread  of  herttun- 
|iimion.  Wanting  the  pliancy  of  movement  given  to  it  by  the  light  nuviissjn, 
the  booted  foot  of  the  young  ofMn-r,  despite  of  all  his  precaution,  fell  iKiiNily 
to  the  ground,  prwhicing  such  n  nstlinjr  nmong  the  dried  leaves  tluit.  had  an 
Indian  car  been  lurking  anywheru  aruuml,  his  approach  must  ineMiubly  hiivo 
been  betrayed.  More  than  once,  too,  negle<rting  to  follow  the  injunction  of 
liis  companion, who  moved  in  a  stooping  |>ostiiro,  with  her  head  bent  over  hor 
iliest.  his  hat  was  caught  in  the  closely  matted  branches,  and  fell  sullenly  and 
lieavilv  to  the  earth,  evidently  nuirh  to  the  discomfiture  of  his  guide. 

At  length  they  stood  on  the  vcr;;e  of  a  dark  and  precipitous  ravine,  the  ab- 
rupt sides  of  which  were  studded  with  underwood,  so  completely  interwoven 
that  all  passage  appeared  impracticable.  What,  however,  seemed  an  insur- 
mountable obstacle,  proved,  in  reality,  an  estiiuable  advantage  ;  for  it  was  by 
rlinging  to  this,  in  imitation  of  the  example  set  by  his  companion,  the  young 
officer  was  prevented  from  rolling  into  an  abyss,  the  depth  of  which  was  lost 
ui  the  profound  obscurity  that  pervaded  the  scene.  Through  the  bed  of  this 
(l.<»k  dell  rolled  a  narrow  stream,  so  imperceptible  to  the  eye  in  the  "  living 
dHrkress."  and  so  noiseless  in  its  coupse,  that  it  was  not  until  warned  by  his 
comjjfuiion  he  stood  on  the  very  brink  of  it,  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  wjis  made 
sensible  of  its  existence.  Both  cl«;ared  it  at  a  single  bound,  in  which  tl>o  ac- 
tivity of  the  female  was  not  the  least  conspicuous,  and,  clambering  up  the 
opposite  steep,  secured  their  footing  by  the  aid  of  the  same  underwood  that 
had  a,ssisted  them  in  their  descent. 

On  gaining  the  other  siimmit,  v.  hich  was  not  done  without  detaching  seve- 
ral large  stones  from  their  sandy  bed,  they  again  fell  into  tlu  path  which  had 
be^n  h«*  sight  of  in  traversing  the  ravine.  They  had  procecnled  along  thi» 
«|iout  half  a  mile,  when  the  female  suddenly  stop]M>d,  and  pointing  to  a  dim 
nnd  lurid  atmosphere  that  now  bofi;an  to  show  itself  between  the  thin  foliajre, 
whispered  that  in  the  opening  beyond  stood  the  encami)inent  of  the  Indians. 
Stie  then  seated  herself  on  the  trt'Tik  of  a  fallen  tree,  that  lay  at  the  .'side  of 
the  almost  invisible  path  they  ha  1  hitherto  pursued,  and  motioning  to  )\<»t 
companion  to  unboot  himself;  proceeded  to  unlace  the  fastenings  of  her  mo- 
cassins. 

••  The  foot  of  the  Saganaw  must  fall  like  the  night  dew  on  the  prairie,"  .she 
observed  ;  "  the  ear  of  the  red  .skin  is  quicker  than  the  lightning,  and  he  will 
know  that  a  pale  face  is  near,  if  he  hear  but  his  tread  upon  a  blade  of  gra^«;." 

The  young  cScer  had,  at  the  first  suggestion  of  his  guide,  divesicd  himself 
of  his  boots,  prepared  to  perform  rlio  remainder  of  the  journey  merely  in  his 
atockings,  but  his  companion  now  threw  herself  on  her  knees  before  him.  and, 
without  further  ceremony,  proceeded  to  draw  over  his  foot  one  of  the  mocas- 
»ms  she  had  just  relinquished. 

"  The  feet  of  the  Saganaw  are  soil  as  those  of  a  young  child,"  she  remark- 
ed, in  a  voice  of  commiseration ;  "  but  the  mocassins  of  Oucanasta  shall 
protect  them  from  the  thorns  of  the  forest." 

This  was  too  un-£uropean, — too  much  reversing  the  established  order  of 
things,  to  be  borne  patiently.  As  if  he  had  felt  the  dignity  of  his  manhood 
offended  by  the  proposal,  the  oflBcer  drew  his  foot  hastily  back,  declaring,  m 
he  sjgrang  from  tke  log,  he  did  not  caro  for  the  thorns,  and  could  not  think  of 


\ 


■' ' 


i 


'*  i 

1^ 


'    1. 


iih 


1 


1 


i 


■lil 


i 


I 


r  ' 


; 


I 


118 


v.'Ar'nrsTA,  o"R.  the  ttiopiiecy. 


depnvinnj  a  female,  wlio  must  be  much  more  sensible  of  pain  tha/i  himself. 

()uc;in:is;a.  Ii'jwevcr,  was  not  to  be  outdone  in  politcnoss.  She  calmly  ro- 
seated  herself  on  the  lop;,  drew  her  right  foot  over  her  IclY,  knee,  caught  one 
of  the  hands  of  lier  compaaion,  and  placing  it  ui)on  the  naked  sole,  desired 
him  to  feel  how  impervious  to  attack  of  evciy  description  was  that  mduratcd 
portion  ol'  ihe  lower  liinb. 

This  practical  argiunent  was  not  without  its  weight,  and  had  more  efl'ecf  in 
deciding  the  officer  than  a  volume  of  remonstrance.  When  Captain  de  llaldi- 
mar  had  passed  his  unwilling  hand  over  the  foot  of  Oucanasta,  whicli,  what- 
ever her  face  might  have  been,  was  certainly  anything  but  dehcate,  and 
encountered  numerous  ragged  excrescences  and  raspy  callosities  that  set  a!i 
symmetry  at  defiance,  a  wonderful  revolution  came  over  his  feelings ;  an-' 
secretly  determining  the  mocassins  would  be  C(iual!y  well  placed  on  his  own 
feet,  he  no  longer  offered  any  opposition. 

This  imjiorlant  jjoint  arraJiged,  the  officer  once  more  followed  his  guide  in 
silence.  Graduall}'  the  forest  is  tlu^y  advanced,  became  lighter  with  the  lurid 
atmosphere  belbi-e  alluded  to ;  and  at  length,  through  the  trees,  could  be  in- 
distinctly seen  the  Indian  fires  fi'om  wliieli  it  proceeded.  The  young  man  wa.>. 
now  desired  by  his  conductress  to  use  the  utmost  circiunsi)ection  in  makin;: 
*,he  circuit  of  the "  wood,  in  order  to  gain  a  position  intmediately  opposite  to 
the  point  where  the  path  they  had  hitheito  puisued  terminated  in  the  ojK'uing. 
This,  iuvlced,  was  the  most  dangerous  and  critical  part  of  the  undertaking. 
A  false  step,  or  the  crackling  of  a  decayed  braiu-h  beneath  the  foot,  wouM 
have  been  suilicicnt  to  betray  pro.xiniity,  in  which  case  his  doom  was  .sealed. 

Fortunate  did  he  now  deem  him.self  in  having  3'ielded  to  the  counsel  of  his 
guide.  Had  he  retained  hi.s  unbending  boot,  it  must  have  crushed  whatever 
It  pressed;  Avhereas,  the  pliant  mocassin,  yielding  to  the  obstacles  it  encoun- 
tered, enabled  him  to  pass  noiselessly  over  them.  Still,  while  exem})t  from 
danger  on  this  s<:ore,  another,  .scarcely  le.ss  jiei'plexing,  In-camo  at  every  instant 
more  obvious;  for,  as  they  drew  nearer  to  the  point  which  the  female  sought 
to  gain,  the  dim  light  of  the  half-sknnbeiing  flies  f'eli  so  inmiediately  upon 
their  path,  that  had  a  single  human  eye  been  turned  in  that  direction,  their 
discovery  was  inevitable.  It  was  with  a  beating  heart,  to  which  mere  personal 
fear,  however,  was  a  stranger,  that  Captain  de  Ilaldiinar  performed  this  con- 
cluding stage  of  liisadventrrous  course  ;  but.  at  a  moment  when  he  considered 
tietection  unavoidable,  and  sxhh  arming  himself  with  resolution  to  meet  th*? 
event,  the  female  suddenly  halted,  placing,  in  the  act,  the  trunk  of  an  encc* 
mous  beech  l)etween  her  companion  and  the  dusky  forms  within,  whose  vei » 
breathing  could  be  hc.'ird  by  the  anxious  officer.  Without  uttering  a  word 
she  took  his  hand,  and  drawing  him  gently  forward,  disappeared  altogether 
from  his  view.  The  j'oung  man  followed,  and  in  the  next  moment  foinid 
himself  in  the  bowelle.ss  body  of  the  tree  itself;  into  which,  on  the  side  of 
the  encampment,  both  light  and  .sound  were  admitted  by  a  small  aperiure 
forn  >d  by  the  natural  decay  of  the  wood. 

The  Indian  pressed  her  lips  to  the  ear  of  her  companion,  and  rather  breath- 
ed than  said, — •'  The  Saganaw  will  see  and  hear  every  thing  from  this  in  safety ; 
»nd  wliat  he  hears  let  him  treasure  in  his  heart.  Oucanasta  must  go.  When 
the  council  is  over  she  will  return,  and  lead  him  back  to  his  warriors.** 

With  this  brief  intimation  she  departed,  and  so  noiselessly,  that  the  young 
officer  was  not  aware  of  her  absence  until  some  minutes  of  silence  had  satisfi« 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  TTIK  PROPHECY. 


119 


ed  Tiim  she  must  be  gone.  His  first  care  then  \ra>?  to  survey,  througli  the 
iporturc  tliat  lay  in  a  level  with  his  eye.  the  cliaracter  of  the  .scene  before 
him.  The  .small  plain,  in  which  lay  the  encampment  of  the  Ind.ans,  was  a 
sort  of  oa.sis  of  the  forest,  girt  around  with  a  rude  belt  of  v.nderwood,  and 
somewhat  elevated,  so  as  to  present  the  ajipearanep  of  a  mound,  constructed 
on  the  first  prinrijiles  of  art.  This  was  thickly,  although  irregularly  studded 
with  tents,  some  of  which  were  formed  of  large  coarse  ma^s  thrown  over 
poles  disposed  in  a  conical  shajie,  while  others  were  more  rudely  composed  of 
the  leafy  branches  of  the  forest. 

Within  these,  groups  of  human  forms  lay  wrapped  in  their  blankets,  stretch- 
ed at  their  lazy  length.  Others,  with  their  feet  placed  clo.se  to  the  dying 
embers  of  their  fires,  diverged  like  so  many  radii  from  their  centre,  and  lay 
motionless  iu  sleep,  as  if  life  and  consciousness  were  wholly  extinct.  Hero 
and  there  was  to  be  seen  a  solitary  warrior  securiuc,  with  admiable  neatness, 
and  with  delicate  ligatures  formed  of  the  sinew  of  the  deer,  the  guiding  feath- 
er, or  fashioning  the  bony  baib  of  his  long  arrow ;  while  others,  with  the 
same  warlike  .spirit  in  view,  employed  themselves  in  cntting  and  greasing  small 
patches  of  smoked  deerskin,  which  were  to  secure  and  give  a  more  certain 
direction  to  the  murderous  bullet.  Among  the  warriois  ^A'ere  interspersed 
many  women,  some  of  whom  might  be  .seen  snpimrting  in  their  laps  the  heav}" 
heads  of  their  unconscions  helpmates,  while  they  occupied  themselves,  by  thn 
fireli<;ht,  in  parting  the  long  bla<'k  matted  hair,  and  maintaining  a  destructiva 
warfare  against  the  pigmy  inhabitants  of  that  dark  region.  These  signs  of 
life  and  activity  in  the  body  of  the  camp  generally  were,  however,  but  few 
and  occasional  ;  and.  at  the  .spot  where  Captain  de  Haldimar  .stood  concealed, 
the  scene  was  flitlerent.  At  a  few  yards  from  the  tree  stood  a  sort  of  shed, 
composed  of  tall  poles  placed  »i])right  in  the  earth,  and  supporting  a  roof 
formed  simply  of  rude  bonizhs.tlie  foliage  of  which  had  been  withered  by  time. 
This  simple  edifice  might  be  about  fifty  feet  in  circumference.  In  the  contro 
l)la7,cd  a  large  fii-e  that  had  been  newly  fed,  and  around  this  were  a.ssembled 
a  band  of  swarthy  warriors,  some  twenty  or  thirty  in  number,  who,  by  their 
proud,  calm,  and  thoughtful  bearing,  might  at  once  be  known  to  be  chiefs. 

The  faces  of  mo.st  of  these  were  familiar  to  the  young  officer,  who  speedily 
recognised  them  for  the  principals  of  the  various  tribes  Ponteac  had  leagued 
in  arms  against  his  enemies.  That  chief  himself,  ever  remarkable  for  his 
haughty  eye  and  commanding  gesture,  wa.s  of  the  number  of  those  present.; 
and  .sat  a  little  aloof  from  his  inferiors  wiih  his  feet  stretched  towards  the 
tire,  and  half  reclining  on  his  side  in  an  attitude  of  indolence  ;  yet  with  his 
mind  evidently  engros.scd  by  deep  and  absorbing  thought.  From  some  ob- 
servat'ons  that  distinctly  met  his  ear.  Captain  de  Haldimar  gathered  the  party 
were  only  awaiting  the  arrival  of  an  important  character,  without  whose 
presence  the  leading  chief  was  unwilling  the  conference  .should  begin.  The 
period  of  the  officer's  concealment  had  just  been  long  enough  to  enable  himto 
ftx  all  these  particulars  in  his  mind,  when  suddenly'  the  faint  report  of  • 
iifttuat  nfie  was  hi'ard  echoing  thr.iu;;hout  the  wood.  This  was  icstantlj 
succeeded  by  a  second,  that  sounded  more  sharply  on  the  ear ;  and  then  fbl- 
iowed  a  long  and  piercing  cry  that  brought  every  warrior,  even  those  who 
slept^  quicjdy  to  his  feet. 


I 
It 

'•  i- 


vf' 


120 


WACOUiTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


*■      \ 


L  I 


An  anxious  interval  of  soaae  minutes  passed  away  in  the  fixed  and  listeuiiig 
attitudes,  which  the  chiefs  especially  had  assumed,  when  a  noise  resembhiig 
that  of  some  animal  forcing  its  way  rap'tly  throtigh  the  rustlinp  branches, 
was  faintly  heard  in  the  direction  in  which  the  shots  had  been  fired.  This 
gradually  increased  as  it  evidently  approached  the  encampmont,  and  then,  dis- 
tinctly, could  be  heard  the  light  yet  unguarded  boundings  of  a  human  foot. 
At  every  moment  the  rustling  of  the  underwood,  rapidly  divided  by  the 
approaching  form,  became  more  audible;  and  so  closely  did  the  intruder  press 
upon  the  point  in  which  Captain  de  Haldimar  was  concealed,  that  that  officer, 
fancyin;^  he  had  been  betrayed,  turned  hastily  around,  and,  grasping  3ne  of 
the  pistols  he  had  secreted  in  the  chest,  prepared  himself  for  ala.st  and  deadly 
encounter.  An  instant  or  two  was  sufficient  to  re-assure  him.  The  form 
glided  hastily  past,  brushing  the  tree  with  its  garments  in  its  course,  and 
clearing,  at  a  single  bound,  the  belt  of  underwood  that  divided  the  encamp- 
ment from  the  tall  forest,  stood  suddenly  among  the  group  of  anxious  and 
expectant  chiefs. 

This  individual,  a  man  of  tall  stature,  was  powerfully  made.  He  wore  a 
jerkin,  or  hunting-coat  of  leather ;  and  his  arms  were,  a  rifle  which  had  every 
appearance  of  having  just  been  discharged,  a  tomahawk  reeking  w^ith  blood, 
and  a  scalping  knife,  which,  in  the  hurry  of  some  recent  service  it  had  been 
made  to  perform,  had  missed  its  sheath,  and  was  thrust  naked  into  the  belt 
that  encircled  his  loins.  Ilis  countenance  wore  an  expression  of  malignant 
triumph  j  and  as  his  eye  fell  on  the  assembled  throng,  its  self-satisiied  and 
exulting  glance  seemed  to  give  them  to  understand  he  came  not  without  cre- 
dentials to  recommend  him  to  their  notice.  Captain  de  Haldimar  was  par- 
ticularly struck  by  the  air  of  bold  daring  and  almost  insolent  rccklessn«jss 
pervading  every  movement  of  this  man :  and  it  was  difficult  to  say  whether 
the  haughtiness  of  bearing  peculiar  to  Ponteac  himself,  w  as  not  exceeded  by 
that  of  this  herculean  warrior. 

By  the  body  of  chiefs  his  appearance  had  been  greeted  with  a  mere  general 
^ruut  of  approbation ;  but  the  counncnance  of  the  leader  expressed  a  more 
personal  interest.  All  seemed  to  expect  he  had  something  of  moment  to  com- 
municate ;  but  as  it  was  not  consistent  with  the  dignity  of  Indian  etiquette 
to  enquire,  they  waited  calmly  until  it  should  please  their  new  associate  to 
enter  on  the  history  of  his  exploits.  In  pursuance  of  an  invitation  from  Pon- 
teac, he  now  took  his  scat  on  the  right  hand  uf  that  chief,  and  immediately 
facing  the  tree,  from  which  Captain  de  Haldimar,  strongly  excited  both  by 
the  reports  of  the  shots  that  had  been  fired,  ai:d  the  sight  of  the  bloody  toma- 
hawk of  the  recently  arrived  Indian,  gazed  earnestly  and  anxiously  on  the 
swarthy  throng. 

Glancing  once  more  triumphantly  round  tho  circle,  who  sat  smoking  their 
pipes  in  calm  and  deliberative  silence,  the  latter  now  observed  the  eye  of  a 
young  chief,  who  sat  opposite  to  him,  intentl ;  riveted  on  his  left  shoulder. 
He  raised  his  hand  to  the  part,  withdrew  it,  looked  at  it,  and  lound  it  wpt 
with  blood.  A  slight  start  of  surprise  betra}  id  his  own  unconsciousness  of 
the  accident ;  yet.  secretly  vexed  at  the  discos  iry  which  had  been  made,  and 
urged  probably  by  one  of  his  wayward  fits,  1  .e  demanded  haughtily  and  in- 
sultingly of  the  young  chief,  if  that  was  the  fi  rst  time  ho  had  ever  looked  on 
the  blood  of  a  warrior. 


V/A0OU9TA,  OR,  THE  PROPnECY. 


121 


*Doea  my  brother  fbel  pain  7"  was  the  taunting  reply.  "  If  he  is  come  to 
tis  with  a  trophy,  it  is  not  without  being  dearly  bought.  The  Saganaw  Hi«fi 
spilt  his  blood." 

''  The  weapons  of  the  Saganaw,  like  those  of  the  smooth  face  of  the  Ottawa 
are  williou*  sting,"  angrily  retort  m1  the  other.    "  They  only  prick  th«»  akin 


like  A  thorn ;  but  when  Wacousta  drinks  the  bloo<l  of  his  eneuiy,"  and  hv 
^^lanccd  his  eye  fiercely  at  the  yoimg  man,  "  it  is  the  blood  next  his  heart." 

•'  My  brother  has  always  big  words  upon  his  lips,"  returned  the  young 
jliief.  V  ith  a  scomftil  sneer  at  the  implied  threat  against  himself.  "  But  where 
are  his  proofs  ?" 

For  II  moment  the  eye  of  the  party  thus  challenged  kindled  into  flame. 
while  his  lips  were  firmly  compressed  together ;  and  as  he  half  bent  himselt 
forward,  to  scan  with  greater  earnestness  the  features  of  his  questior;cT,  bin 
rifrht  hand  sank  to  his  left  side,  tightly  grasping  the  handle  of  his  scalpinjr- 
kt'ife.  The  action  was  but  momentary.  Ajrain  he  drew  himself  up,  putted 
the  smoke  deliberately  ft-om  his  bloody  tomahawk,  and,  thrusting  his  right 
hand  into  his  bosom,  drew  leism-ely  forth  a  reeking  scalp,  which  he  tossed 
'nsolontly  across  the  fire  into  the  lap  of  the  young  chief.  A  lolid  and  general 
'•  ugh  !"  testified  the  approbation  of  the  assemble«l  group  at  the  unequivocal 
answer  thus  given  to  the  demand  of  the  youth.  The  eye  of  the  huge  warrior 
sparkled  with  a  deep  and  ferocious  exultation. 

'•  What  says  the  smooth  face  of  the  Ottawas  now  ?"  he  demanded,  in  the 
same  insolent  strain.  "  Does  it  make  his  heart  sick  to  look  upon  the  scalp  of 
a  great  chief?" 

The  young  man  quietly  turned  the  horrid  trophy  over  several  times  in  hia 
hand,  examining  it  attentively  in  every  part.  Then  tossing  it  back  with  con- 
temptuous coolness  to  its  owner,  he  replied, — 

"  The  eyes  of  my  brother  are  weak  with  age.  He  is  not  cunning,  like  a  red 
skin.  The  Ottawa  has  often  seen  the  Saganaw  in  their  fort,  and  he  knows 
their  chiefs  have  fine  hair  like  women ;  but  this  is  like  the  bristle  of  the  fox. 
My  brother  has  not  slain  a  great  chief,  but  a  common  warrior." 

A  flush  of  irrepressible  and  threatening  anger  passed  over  the  features  of 
the  vast  savage. 

"  Is  it  for  a  boy,"  he  fiercely  asked,  "  whose  eyes  know  not  yet  the  color  of 
blood,  to  judge  of  the  enemies  that  fall  by  the  tomahawk  of  Wacousta?  but  a 
great  warrior  never  boasts  of  actions  that  he  does  not  achieve.  It  is  the  son 
of  the  ^reat  chief  of  the  Saganaw  whom  he  has  slain.  If  the  smooth  face 
doubts  it,  and  has  courage  to  venture,  even  at  night,  within  a  hundred 
yards  of  the  fort,  he  will  see  a  Saganaw  without  a  scalp  ;  and  he  will  know 
that  Saganaw  by  his  dress — the  dress,"  he  pursued,  with  a  low  emphatic 
laugh,  "  that  Oucanasta,  the  sister  of  the  smooth  face,  loved  so  much  to  look 
upon." 

Quicker  than  thought  was  the  upspringing  of  the  young  Indian  to  his  feet, 
'.'iili  a  cheek  glowing,  an  eye  flashing,  and  his  gleaming  tomahawk  whirling 
rapidh'  round  his  head,  he  cleared  at  a  single  bound  the  fire  that  separated 
him  from  his  insulter.  The  formidable  man  who  had  thus  wantonly  provoked 
the  attack,  was  equally  prompt  in  meeting  it.  At  the  first  movement  of  the 
youth,  he  too  had  leapt  to  his  feet,  and  brandished  the  terrible  weapon  that 
lervea  in  the  double  capacity  of  pipe  and  hatchet.    A  fierce  yell  escaped  the 


.  if 


i'<     n. 


ii  1 


«.    ^i 


If   i 


I! 


i 


122 


WACOUSTA,  Oil,  THE  PROPflECY. 


Hps  of  encli,  as  tliey  thus  met  in  close  and  hostile  collision,  and  the  scene  for 
the  moment  promised  to  be  one  of  the  most  tragic  character;  but  before 
either  could  tind  an  assailable  point  on  which  to  test  his  formidable  weapon, 
Ponteac  himself  had  thrown  his  person  between  them,  and  in  a  voice  of  tlmn- 
der  commanded  the  instant  abandonment  of  their  purpose.  Exasperated  t'von 
cs  they  now  nnitually  were,  the  intiueiicu  of  that  authority,  for  which  tlio 
great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  was  well  known,  was  not  without  due  effect  on  llio 
combatants.  His  anger  was  principally  directed  against  the  assailant,  on  wliom 
the  tones  of  his  reproving  voice  produced  a  chinge  the  intimidation  of  Ins 
powerfid  opponent  could  never  have  affected.  The  young  chief  dropped  tlio 
point  of  his  tomahawk ;  bowed  his  head  in  submission  and  then  resuming  his 
!9eat,  sat  during  the  remainder  of  the  night  with  his  arms  folded,  aad  his  hcaO 
bent  in  silence  over  his  chest. 

"Our  brother  has  done  m'cU,"  said  Ponteac.  glancing  approvingly  at  h'v^ 
who  had  exhibited  the  reeking  trophy,  and  whom  he  evidently  favored.  ••  He 
is  a  great  chief,  and  his  words  are  truth.  We  heaid  the  report  of  his  rifle,  and 
we  also  l*.eard  the  cry  that  told  lie  had  borne  away  the  scalp  of  an  enemy. 
But  we  will  think  of  this  to-morrow.     Let  us  now  commence  our  talk.'- 

Our  readers  will  readily  imagine  the  feelings  of  Captain  dc  Ilaldimar  during 
this  short  but  exciting  .scene.  From  the  account  given  by  the  warrior,  thcro 
could  be  no  doubt  the  murdered  man  was  the  unhappy  Donellan  ;  who,  pro- 
bably, neglecting  the  caution  given  him,  had  exposed  himself  to  the  munlLTou.s 
aim  of  this  fierce  being,  who  was  a|)])arently  a  .scout  sent  for  the  purjosc  of 
watching  the  movements  of  the  garrison.  The  direction  of  the  firing,  the  -il- 
lusion made  to  the  regimentals,  nay,  the  scalj)  itself,  which  he  knew  from  liio 
short  crop  to  be  that  of  a  .soldier,  and  fancied  he  recogni.sed  fi-oni  its  color  to 
be  that  of  his  servant,  formed  but  too  conclusive  evidence  of  the  fiict;  and.  bit- 
terly and  deeply,  as  he  ga/ed  on  this  melanchol}'-  proof  of  the  man's  sacvilice 
of  life  to  his  interest,  did  he  repent  that  he  had  made  him  the  companion  of 
his  adventure,  or  that,  having  done  .so,  he  had  not  either  brought  bin  away 
altogether,  or  sent  him  instantly  back  to  the  fort.  Commiseration  for  the  fate 
of  the  unfortunate  Donellan  naturally  induced  a  spirit  of  personal  hostility  to- 
wards his  destroyer ;  and  it  was  wit  \  feelings  strongly  excited  in  favor  of  him 
whom  he  now  discovered  to  be  the  brother  of  his  guide,  that  he  saw  him  spiing 
fiercely  to  the  attack  of  his  gigantic  oj^ponent.  There  was  an  activity  about 
the  young  chief  amply  commensurate  with  the  great  physical  power  of  his  ad- 
versary ;  while  the  manner  in  which  he  wielded  his  tomahawk,  proved  him  to 
be  anything  but  the  novice  in  the  use  of  the  formidable  weapon  the  othei-  liml 
represented  him.  It  was  with  a  feeling  of  disappointment,  therefore,  wliiih 
the  peculiarity  of  his  own  position  could  not  overcome,  ho  saw  Ponteac  inter- 
pose himself  between  the  parties. 

Presently,  however,  a  subject  of  deeper  and  more  absorbing  interest  than 
even  the  fate  of  his  unhappy  follower  engrossed  every  faculty  of  his  mind,  and 
riveted  both  eye  and  ear  in  painful  tension  to  the  aperture  in  his  hiding-place. 
The  chiefs  had  resumed  their  places,  and  the  silence  of  a  few  minutes  ha<l  suc- 
ceeded to  the  fierce  affray  of  the  warriors,  when  Ponteac,  in  a  calm  and  dolibe 
rate  voice,  proceeded  to  state  he  had  summoned  all  the  heads  of  the  nationa 
together,  to  hear  a  plan  he  had  to  offer  for  the  reduction  of  the  last  remainmg 
JbrtB  of  their  enemies,  Michilimackinac  and  Detroit.    He  pointed  out  the 


WACOUSTA,  Gli,  llli:  I'KOPnEC'Y. 


V2^ 


ledfoisness  of  the  warfare  m  which  tlicv  were  engap,cd ;  the  desertion  of  their 
hiinting-groiinds  by  tlieir  warriors' ;  an;l  their  consequent  deficiency  in  all 
those  articles  of  European  tratlic  whicii  they  were  fonnerly  in  the  habit  of  re- 
ceiving in  exchange  for  their  furs.  He  dwelt  on  the  benelicial  results  thnt 
would  accrut'  to  tliom  all  in  the  event  of  the  reduftion  of  those  two  important 
fortresses ;  sini.-e,  in  that  case,  Ihey  uoultl  be  enabled  to  make  such  terms 
with  the  Unglish  as  would  secure  to  them  considerable  advantages;  while,  in- 
stead  <  f  bf-irjir  treated  with  the  indignity  of  a  eoncmered  people,  they  woidd  be 
enabled  t-j  coii-mand  respect  from  the  imposing  attitude  this  final  crowning  of 
their  su(c<.s.ses  would  enable  them  to  assume.  He  stated  that  the  prudence 
and  vigilance  of  the  commanders  of  these  two  unrechiced  fortresses  were  likely 
long  to  batfle,  as  had  hitherto  been  the  case,  every  open  attempt  at  their  caj)- 
ture ;  and  admitted  he  had  little  expectation  of  terrifying  them  into  a  surren- 
der by  the  same  artifice  that  had  succeeded  with  the  forts  on  the  Ohio  and 
the  lower  lakes.  The  plan,  however,  which  he  had  to  propose,  was  one  he 
felt  assiu'cd  would  be  attended  with  success.  He  would  (hsdose  that  plan, 
anil  the  great  chiefs  should  give  it  the  advantage  of  their  deliberation. 

Captain  de  Haldimar  was  on  the  rack.  The  chief  had  gradually  dropped 
^lis  voice  as  he  exi)lained  his  plan,  until  at  length  it  became  so  low.  that  un- 
distinguisliable  sounds  alone  reached  the  ear  of  the  excited  officer.  For  a  mo- 
ment he  dispaired  of  miikin;!;  himself  fully  master  of  the  irn])ortant  secret ;  but 
in  the  course  of  the  delibei-atioi  that  ensued,  the  blanks  left  unsupplied  in  the 
^'*<'ryifr*t  of  the  leader  wer?  uinuidantly  filled  up.  It  was  wh-it  the  reader  hn? 
already  seen.  The  necessities  of  the  Indians  were  to  be  urged  as  a  moti've  Ibi 
tb«Mr  boing  tiretl  of  hostilities.  A  \K\ncii  was  to  be  solicited  ;  a  council  lield  , 
&  i»all-playing  among  the  wai riois  proposed,  as  a  mark  of  their  own  sincerity 
h'.vl  confidence  during  tlmt  coinicil ;  and  when  the  garrison,  lulled  into  secu- 
rity, should  be  thrown  entii-ely  off  their  guard,  the  warriors  were  to  seize  theii 
guns  and  tomahawks,  with  wbich  (the  former  cut  short,  for  the  better  con- 
ceahnent  of  their  pur|)ose)  their  women  would  be  provided,  rush  in.  under 
pretext  of  regaining  their  lost  ball,  when  a  universal  massacre  of  men,  women, 
ami  chil(h'en  was  to  ensue,  until  nothing  wearing  the  gai  u  of  a  Saganaw  should 
he  left. 

It  would  be  tedious  to  follow  the  chief  through  all  the  minor  ramifications 
of  his  subtle  plan.  Stiflice  it  they  were  of  a  nature  to  throw  the  most  wary 
oH'  his  guard;  and  so  admirably  ai'i-anged  was  every  part,  .so  certain  did  it 
appear  their  enemies  must  fall  into  the  snare,  that  the  oldest  chiefs  testified 
their  aj)pro>)ation  with  a  vivacity  of  manner  and  expression  little  wont  to 
characterise  the  deliberative  meetings  of  these  reserved  people.  But  deepewl 
of  all  was  the  appi'oval  of  the  tall  warrior  who  had  so  recently  arrived.  To 
him  had  the  discourse  of  the  leader  been  principally  directed,  as  one  whose 
counsel  and  experience  were  especially  wanting  to  confirm  him  in  his  purpose 
He  was  the  last  who  spoke  ;  but,  when  he  did.  it  was  with  a  force — an  energ} 
— that  must  have  sunk  evary  objection,  even  if  the  plan  had  not  been  so  per- 
fect and  unexceptionable  in  its  concoction  as  to  have  precluded  a  possibility 
of  all  negative  argument.  During  the  deliveiy  of  his  animated  specsch,  hia 
swarthy  countenance  kindled  into  fierce  and  rapidly  varying  expression.  A 
thousand  dark  and  complicated  passions  evidently  struggled  at  his  heart ;  and 
•8  he  dwelt  leisurely  and  emphatically  on  the  sacrifice  of  human  life  thai 


m 


'"^i 


M 


'>  li-- 


m 

1  ;    M. 


\  I 


lU 


WA0OU8TA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


finiit  fnorftablj  attend  the  Adoption  of  the  proposed  measure,  his  eye  p;row 
larger,  his  chest  expanded,  nay,  his  rcry  nostril  appeared  to  dilate  with  un- 
Ikthomably  guileful  exultation.  Captain  de  Haldiinar  thought  he  hud  never 
gazed  on  anything,  wearing  the  human  shape,  half  so  atrociously  savage. 

Long  before  tho  connril  wns  torminntcd.  the  inferior  warrirn-s,  who  hnA 
been  so  suddenly  aroused  from  their  slumbering  atiitudus.  had  again  retired 
to  their  tents,  and  stretched  their  lazy  length  before  the  embers  of  their  tiros. 
The  weary  chiefs  now  prepared  to  follow  their  example.  They  emptied  the 
ashes  from  the  bowls  of  their  pipe-tomahawks,  rcpluccil  them  carefully  at 
lliHr  side,  rose,  and  retired  to  their  respective  tents.  Ponteac  and  the  tall 
warrior  alone  remained.  For  a  time  they  conversed  earnestly  t^egether.  Tho 
former  listened  attentively  to  some  observations  made  to  him  by  his  com- 
panion, in  the  course  of  which,  the  words  "  chief  of  the  Saganaw — fort — spy 
— vnemy,"  and  two  or  three  others  equally  unconnected,  were  alone  an(iil)le 
to  the  air  of  hira  who  so  attentively  sought  to  catch  the  slightest  sound,  llo 
thi'U  thrust  his  hand  under  his  hunting-coat.  and.  as  if  in  confirmation  of 
wliat  ho  had  been  stating,  exhibited  a  coil  of  rope  and  the  glossy  boot  of  an 
English  officer.  Ponteac  uttered  one  of  his  sharp  ejaculating  "  ughs !"  and 
then  rising  quickly  from  his  .seat,  followed  by  his  companion,  soon  disappeared 
in  the  heart  of  the  encampment. 


CHAPTER  XVn. 


3a        'f 


i    I 


Uow  shall  we  attempt  to  paint  all  that  passed  through  the  mind  of  Cap- 
tain de  Haldimar  diu-ing  this  important  conference  of  the  fierce  chiefs  ?— 
whore  find  language  to  convey  the  cold  and  thrill  ing  horror  with  which  ht 
listoned  to  the  calm  discussion  of  a  plan,  the  object  of  which  was  the  inassji 
ere  not  only  of  a  host  of  beings  endeared  to  him  by  long  communionship  of 
service,  but  of  those  who  were  wedded  to  his  heart  bv  the  dearer  ties  of  :<f 
I'uctioa  and  kindred  ?  As  Ponteac  had  justly  obseTve«l,  the  English  gomsons 
itrong  in  their  own  defences,  were  little  likely  to  be  speedily  reduced,  whi!*- 
their  enemies  confined  themselves  to  overt  acts  of  hostility ;  but,  against  tlieu 
insidious  professions  of  amity  who  could  oppose  a  sufficient  caution  i  ilis 
father,  the  young  otficer  was  aware,  had  all  along  manifested  a  spirit  of  con- 
ciliation towards  the  Indians,  which,  if  followed  up  by  the  government  gene- 
rally, must  have  had  the  effect  of  preventing  the  cruel  and  sanguinary  wai 
that  had  so  recently  desolated  this  remote  part  of  the  British  possessions. 
Hovv  likely,  therefore,  was  it,  having  his  object  always  in  view,  he  should  giv<j 
in  to  the  present  wily  stratagem,  where  such  plausible  motives  for  the  aban 
donment  of  their  hostile  purpose  were  urged  b^  the  perfidious  chiefs!  From 
the  few  hasty  hints  already  given  him  by  his  guide, — that  kind  being,  who 
evidently  sought  to  be  the  savior  of  the  devoted  garrison, — he  had  gathered 
that  a  deep  and  artful  plan  was  to  be  submitted  to  the  chiefs  by  their  leader ; 
but  little  did  he  imagine  it  was  of  the  finished  nature  it  now  proved  to  be 
Any  other  than  the  present  attempt,  the  vigilance  and  prudence  of  his  expe 
rienced  fkther,  he  felt,  would  have  rendered  abortive ;  but  there  was  so  much 


WUCOKSTA,  Oii,  THE  FBOPQfiCT. 


125 


ipeclousness  )n  the  pleas  that  were  to  be  advanced  in  f\irtherance  of  their  as 
Humed  object,  ho  a'uld  not  but  admit  the  almost  certainty  of  their  influenc«. 
hven  on  him. 

Sick  and  di«^o'iraged  as  he  was  at  the  horrible  perspective  thus  forced  on 
his  nientul  view,  the  young  officer  had  not,  fur  sumo  moments,  presence  of 
luind  to  reflect  tnat  the  danger  of  the  garrison  existed  only  so  long  as  he 
should  be  absent  from  it.  At  length,  however,  the  cheering  recollection  came, 
and  with  it  the  mantling  rush  of  blood,  to  his  faint  heart.  But,  short  waa 
the  consoling  hope :  again  he  felt  dismay  in  every  fibre  of  his  frame  ;  for  he 
now  reflected,  that  altfiough  his  opportune  discovery  of  the  meditated  schemo 
would  save  one  fort,  there  was  no  guardian  angel  to  extend,  as  in  this  in- 
Htiince,  its  protecting  influence  to  the  other ;  and  w^ithin  that  other  there 
breatlied  those  who  were  dearer  far  to  him  than  his  own  existence ; — beings. 
whose  lives  were  far  more  precious  to  him  than  any  even  in  the  garrison  of 
which  he  was  a  member.  His  sister  Clara,  whom  he  loved  with  a  love  little 
inferior  to  that  of  his  younger  brother ;  and  one,  even  more  dearly  loved  than 
Claru, — Madeline  do  Ilaldimar.  his  cousin  and  affiaiiced  bride, — were  both  in- 
mates of  Michillimackinac,  which  was  commanded  by  the  father  of  the  latter, 

a  iniijor  in  the regiment.     With  Madeline  do  Ilaldimar  he  had  long  sinro 

exchanged  his  vows  of  affection ;  and  their  nuptials,  which  were  to  have  taken 
place  about  the  period  when  the  present  war  broke  out,  had  only  been  sus- 
pended because  all  communication  between  the  tw^o  posts  had  been  entirely 
cut  otf  by  the  enemy. 

Captain  de  Ilaldimar  had  none  of  the  natural  weakness  and  timidity  of 
character  which  belonged  to  the  gentler  and  more  sensitive  Charles.  San- 
guine afiil  full  of  enterprise,  he  seldom  met  evils  half  way;  but  when  thev 
did  coine,  he  sought  to  master  them  by  the  firmness  and  collectedncss  with 
whicii  he  opposed  his  mind  to  their  infliction.  If  his  heart  was  now  racked 
with  the  most  acute  suffering — his  reason  incapacitated  from  exercising  its 
calm  deliberate  power,  the  seeming  contradiction  arose  not  from  any  deficiency 
in  his  character,  but  was  attributable  wholly  to  the  extraordinary  circum- 
stances of  the  moment. 

It  was  a  part  of  the  profound  plan  of  the  Ottawa  chiof,  that  it  should  be 
essayed  on  the  two  forts  on  the  same  day ;  and  it  was  a  suggestion  of  the 
murderer  of  po»)r  Donellan,  that  a  parley  should  be  obtained,  tlhrough  the 
medium  of  a  white  Hag.  the  nature  of  which  he  explained  to  them,  as  it  was 
understood  among  thefr  enemies.  If  invited  to  the  council,  then  they  were 
to  enter,  or  not,  as  circumstances  might  induce  ;  but,  in  any  case,  they  were 
to  go  unprovided  v/ith  the  pipe  of  peace,  since  this  couid  not  be  smoked  with- 
out violating  everything  held  most  sacred  among  themselves.  The  red,  or 
war  pipe,  was  to  be  substituted  as  if  by  accident ;  and,  for  the  success  of  t)ie 
deception,  they  were  to  presume  on  the  ignorance  of  their  enemieb.  Thin, 
however,  was  not  important,  since  the  period  of  their  first  parley  was  to  be 
the  moment  chosen  for  the  arrangement  of  a  future  council,  and  the  proposal 
of  a  ball-playing  upon  the  common.  Three  days  were  to  be  named  as  the  in- 
terval between  the  first  conference  of  I*ontea«  with  the  governor  and  the  de- 
finitive council  which  was  to  ensue ;  during  which,  however,  it  was  so  ar- 
ranged, that  before  the  lip  of  a  red  skin  should  toucli  the  pipe  of  peace,  the 
ball-i^layers  should  rush  in  and  massacre  the  unprepared  soldiery,  while  thf 


K   •'' 


U" 


f\ 

w 

9 

i. 

1"' 

!■ 

ll 

E,ii 

1  'i 

t    f! 


126 


WACOUbTA,  on,  TUi:  I'ii.l'UECY. 


fiieft  despatched  the  officers  iu  counciT. 

It  was  the  proximity  of  the  period  allotted  for  the  execution  of  their  cnifl 
■chcme  that  mainly  contributed  to  the  dismay  of  Captain  de  Haidixnar  The 
very  next  day  was  appointed  for  carrying  into  ellect  the  first  part  of  tbo  In- 
iian  plan:  and  how  was  it  possible  that  a  messenger,  oven  admiring  ho 
«honld  elude  the  vigilance  of  the  enemy,  could  reach  the  distant  post  of  Alich- 
ilimackinac  within  the  short  period  on  which  hung  the  destiny  of  that  devoted 
fortress.  In  the  midst  of  the  confused  and  distracting  images  that  now 
crowded  on  his  brain,  came  at  length  one  thought,  redolent  with  tlie  bright- 
est colorings  of  hope.  On  his  return  to  the  garrison,  the  treachery  of  the 
Indians  being  made  known,  the  governor  might  so  far,  and  v/itli  a  view  of 
gaining  time,  give  in  to  the  plan  of  his  enemies,  as  to  obtain  such  delay  as 
would  afford  the  chance  of  comnmnication  between  the  forts.  The  attem])t, 
on  the  part  of  those  who  should  be  selectod  for  this  purpose,  would,  it  is  true, 
be  a  desperate  one:  still  it  must  be  made  ;  and  with  such  incentives  to  exer- 
tion as  he  had,  how  willingly  would  he  propose  his  own  services ! 

The  more  he  dwelt  on  this  mode  of  defeating  the  subtle  de-signs  of  the  (.ne- 
my,  the  more  pra,cticable  did  it  appear.  Of  his  own  safe  return  to  the  fort  he 
entertained  not  a  doubt ;  for  he  knew  and  relied  on  the  Indian  woman,  who 
was  bound  to  him  by  a  tie  of  gratitude,  which  licr  conduct  that  night  evi- 
dently denoted  to  be  superior  even  to  the  interests  of  her  race.  Moreovei-,  as 
he  approached  the  encampment  unnoticed  while  the  chiefs  were  yet  awake  tb 
everything  around  them,  how  little  probability  was  there  of  his  return  bciuf^ 
detected  while  all  lay  in  the  most  profound  repose.  It  is  true  that,  for  a  mo- 
ment, his  confidence  deserted  him  as  he  recurred  to  the  earnest  dialogue  of 
the  two  Indians,  and  the  sudden  display  of  the  rope  and  boot,  the  latter  of 
which  articles  he  had  at  once  recognised  to  be  one  of  those  he  had  so  recently 
worn ;  but  his  apprehensions  on  that  score  were  again  speedily  set  to  rest. 
when  he  reflected,  had  any  suspicion  existed  iu  the  minds  of  these  men  that 
an  enemy  was  lurking  near  them,  a  general  alarm  would  have  been  spread. 
and  hundreds  of  warriors  despatched  to  scour  the  forest. 

The  night  was  now  rapidly  waning  away,  and  already  the  cold  damp  air 
of  an  autumnal  morning  was  beginning  to  make  itself  felt.  More  than  half 
an  hour  had  elapsed  since  the  departure  of  Ponteac  and  his  companion,  and 
yet  Oucanasta  came  not.  With  a  sense  of  the  approach  of  day  came  new 
and  discouraging  thoughts,  and,  for  some  minutes,  the  mind  of  the  younij 
officer  became  petrified  with  horror,  as  he  retlected  on  the  bare  possibility  of 
his  escape  being  intercepted.  The  more  he  lingered  on  this  apprehension,  tht 
more  bewildered  v^cre  his  ideas  ;  and  already  in  horrible  perspective,  he  be 
held  the  destruction  of  his  nearest  and  dearest  friends,  and  the  host  of  tho't 
who  were  humbler  followers  and  partakers  in  the  same  destiny.  Absolutely 
terrified  with  the  misgivings  of  his  own  heart,  he,  in  the  wildness  and  uncoii- 
nectedness  of  his  purpose,  now  resolved  to  make  the  attempt  to  return  alone 
although  he  knew  not  even  the  situation  of  the  path  he  had  so  recently 
quitted.  He  had  actually  moved  a  pace  forward  on  his  desperate  enterpTise, 
when  ho  felt  a  hand  touching  the  exteniled  arm  with  which  he  groped  to  lino 
the  entrance  to  his  hiding  place.  The  unexpected  collision  sent  a  cold  shud- 
der through  his  frame  ;  and  such  was  the  excitement  to  which  he  had  woiked 
himself  up;  H  was  not  without  difficulty  he  iu[»prcsscd  au  exclamation^  thai 


Wacousta,  or,  the  prophect. 


127 


must  inevitably  have  scaled  his  doom.    The  soft  tone  of  Oucanasta'd  voice 

re-aHsured  him. 
"  Tlie  day  will  soon  dawn,"  she  whispered :  "  the  Saganaw  must  go." 
With  the  return  of  hope  came  the  seuse  of  all  he  owed  to  the  dcvotedneiS 

of  thiu  kind  woman,     lie  ^rasijuil  the  hand  that  still  lingered  on  his  arm, 

Ercssed  it  attectionatoly  in  his  own,  and  then  placed  it  in  silence  on  his  throb- 
mg  heart.  The  breathnig  of  Oucanasta  became  deeper,  and  the  young  offi- 
cer fancied  he  could  feel  her  trembling  with  agitation.  Again,  however,  and 
In  a  tone  of  more  subdued  expression,  she  whispered  that  lie  must  go. 

There  was  httle  urging  necessary  to  induce  a  prompt  compliance  with  tiie 
hint.  Cautiously  emerging  from  his  concealment,  Captain  tie  lialdimur  now 
followed  close  in  the  rear  of  his  guide,  who  took  the  same  circuit  of  the  for- 
est to  reach  the  path  that  led  towards  the  fort.  This  they  speedily  gained, 
»nd  then  pursued  their  course  in  silence,  until  they  at  length  arrived  at  the 
log  where  the  exchange  of  mocassins  had  been  made. 

"  Here  the  Saganaw  may  take  breath,"  she  observed,  as  she  seated  herself 
on  the  fallen  tree ;  "  the  sleep  of  the  red  skin  is  sound,  and  there  is  no  one 
upon  the  path  but  Oucanasta." 

Anxious  as  he  felt  to  secure  his  return  to  the  fort,  there  was  an  implied  so- 
licitation in  the  tones  of  her  to  whom  he  owed  so  much  that  prevented  Cap- 
tain de  Haldimar  from  offering  an  objection,  which  he  feared  might  be  con- 
strued into  slight. 

For  a  mouient  or  two  the  Indian  remained  with  her  arms  folded,  and  her 
head  bent  over  her  chest  j  and  then,  in  a  low,  deep,  but  tremulous  voice,  ob- 
served,— 

"  When  the  Saganaw  saved  Oucanasta  from  perishing  in  the  angry  waters, 
there  v/as  a  girl  of  the  pale  faces  with  him,  who>-(>  skin  was  like  the  snows  or 
the  Canadian  winter,  and  whose  hair  was  black  r°!  the  fur  of  the  squirreL 
Oucanasta  saw,"  she  pursued,  dropping  her  voice  >'».c  lower,  "that  the  Saga- 
naw was  loved  by  the  pale  girl,  and  her  own  heart  was  very  sick,  for  the 
Saganaw  had  saved  her  life,  and  she  loved  him  too.  But  she  knew  she  was 
very  foolish,  and  that  an  Indian  girl  could  never  be  the  wife  of  a  handsome 
chief  of  the  Saganaw ;  and  she  prayed  to  the  Great  Spirit  of  the  red  skins  to 
give  her  strength  to  overcome  her  feelings  ;  but  the  Great  Spirit  was  angry 
with  her.  and  would  not  hear  her."  She  paused  a  moment,  and  then  abruptly 
demanded,  "  Where  is  that  pale  girl  now?" 

Captain  de  Haldimar  had  often  been  rallied,  not  only  by  his  brothor  offi- 
cers, but  even  by  his  sister  and  Madeline  de  Haldimar  herself,  on  the  conquest 
ho  had  evidently  made  of  the  heart  of  this  Indian  girl.  The  event  to  which 
she  had  alluded  had  taken  place  several  months  previous  to  the  breaking  out 
of  hostilities.  Oucanasta  was  directing  her  frail  bark,  one  evening,  along  the 
shores  of  the  Detroit,  when  a  gust  of  wind  upset  the  canoe,  and  left  its  pilot 
struggling  amid  the  waves.  Captain  de  Haldimar,  who  happened  to  be  ou 
the  bank  at  the  moment  with  his  sister  and  cousin,  was  an  eye-witness  of  her 
danger,  and  instantly  Hew  down  the  steep  to  her  assistance.  Being  an  excel- 
lent swimmer,  he  was  not  long  in  gaining  the  spot,  where,  exhausted  with  the 
exertion  she  had  made,  and  encumbered  with  her  awkward  machecoti,  thtj 
poor  girl  was  already  on  the  point  of  perishing.  But  for  his  timely  assist- 
ance! indeedj  she  must  have  sunk  to  the  bottom  j  and  biuce  that  period,  the 


h-'  1 


I 


ft 

if'  I 


':S.f 


12f 


WAQOVKA,  OA.  IHE  PBONOfinTi 


«■   i  ' 


grateful  hoing  had  been  remarked  for  the  strong  but  unexpressed  attachment 
she  felt  for  her  deliverer.  This,  however,  was  the  first  moment  Oaptain  d« 
Haldimar  became  acquainted  with  the  extent  of  feelinps,  the  avowal  of  which 
not  a  little  startled  and  surprised,  and  even  annoyed  him.  The  last  question, 
however,  8U(;gested  a  thought  tliat  kindled  every  fibre  of  his  being  into  ex- 
pectancy —Oupanasta  might  b*.  the  savior  oflhiwe  he  loved  ;  and  he  felt  that 
if  time  were  bi:t  attbrded  her,  she  would,  lie  rose  from  the  log,  dropp^i  on 
one  kr.ee  before  the  Indian,  seized  both  her  hands  with  eagerness,  and  then 
hi  toneR  of  eamt  ;t  stippjinition  wliisiH>ror|.- 

"  Oucanasta  is  right :  the  pale  girl  with  the  skin  like  snow,  and  hait  ni.v 
the  fur  of  the  squirrel,  is  the  bride  of  the  Sa>;anaw.  Long  before  he  sivt-** 
the  life  of  Oucanasta,  he  knew  and  loved  that  pale  girl.  She  is  dearer  t«.  iln 
Saganaw  than  his  own  blood ;  but  she  is  in  the  fort  beyond  the  great  ake. 
aud  the  tomahawks  of  the  red  skins  will  destroy  her ;  for  the  warriors  of  that 
fort  have  no  one  to  tell  th^m  of  their  danger.  What  says  the  red  girl  1  will 
she  go  and  save  the  lives  of  the  sister  and  the  wife  of  the  Saganaw  ?" 

The  brep'iing  of  the  Indian  became  deeper;  and  Captain  de  ilaldimar  fan- 
cied she  sighed  heavily,  as  she  replied, — 

**  Oucanasta  is  but  a  weak  woman,  and  her  feet  are  not  swift  like  thf;se  of 
a  runner  among  the  red  skins ;  but  what  the  Saganaw  asks,  for  his  salie  she 
'will  try.     When  she  has  seen  him  safe  to  his  own  fort,  she  will  go  and  pre- 
pare herself  for  the  journey.    The  pale  girl  shall  lay  her  head  on  the  bosom 
of  the  Saganaw,  and  Oucanasta  will  try  to  rejoice  in  her  happiness." 

In  the  fervor  of  his  gratitude,  the  young  officer  caught  the  drooping  form 
of  the  generous  Indian  wildly  to  his  heart ;  his  lips  pressed  hers,  and  dui-in^ 
the  kiss  that  followed,  the  heart  of  the  latter  bounded  and  throbbed  as  if  it 
would  have  passed  from  her  own  into  the  bosom  of  her  companion. 

Never  was  a  kiss  less  premeditated,  less  unchaste.  Gratitude,  not  passion. 
had  called  it  forth ;  and  had  Madeline  de  Haldimar  been  near  at  the  moment, 
the  feeling  that  impelled  the  seeming  infidelity  to  herself  would  have  been  re 
garded  as  an  additional  claim  on  her  affection.  On  the  whole,  however,  it 
was  a  most  unfortunate  and  ill-timed  kiss,  and,  as  is  often  the  case  under  siicli 
circumstances,  led  to  the  downfall  of  the  woman.  In  the  vivacity  of  his  em 
brace.  Captain  de  Haldimar  had  drawn  his  guide  so  far  forward  upon  the  l<% 
that  she  lost  her  balance,  and  fell  with  a  heavy  and  reverberating  crash  among 
the  leaves  and  dried  sticks  that  were  strewed  thickly  around. 

Scarcely  a  second  elapsed  when  the  forest  was  alive  with  human  yells,  that 
fell  achingly  on  the  ears  of  both ;  and  bounding  warriors  were  heard  on 
every  hand,  rapidly  dividing  the  dense  underwood  they  encountered  in  their 
pursuit.  Quick  as  thought  the  Indian  had  regained  her  feet.  She  grasj)ed 
the  hand  of  her  companion ;  and  hurrying,  though  not  without  caution, 
along  the  path,  again  stood  on  the  brow  of  the  ravine  through  which  they 
had  previously  passed. 

''  The  Saganaw  must  go  alone,  she  whispered.  "  The  red  skins  are  close 
upon  our  trail,  but  they  will  find  only  an  Indian  woman  '  hen  they  expect 
a  pale  face.    Oucanasta  will  save  her  friend." 

Captain  de  Haldimar  did  as  he  was  desired.  Clinging  to  the  bushes  that 
lined  the  face  of  the  precipitous  descent,  he  managed  once  more  to  gain  the 
bod  of  the  ravine.    For  a  moment  he  paused  to  listen  to  the  sounc^  of  his 


If  AOOUSTA,  ORi  THJS  PROPHECY. 


li>0 


inirsuora,  wlioso  footsteps  were  now  audible  on  the  eminence  he  had  just 
quitted  ;  and  then,  patlioring  hiniMclf  up  for  the  leap  that  vvoh  to  enabU'  tma 
to  cli'ar  tlio  rivulet,  ho  threw  himself  heavily  forward.  His  feet  alighted  ii|ntii 
an  elovatwl  and  yielding  snhstancc,  that  gave  way  with  a  nasliing  sound  that 
erliocd  far  and  near  throughout  the  forest,  and  he  felt  himself  sectind  as  if  in 
a  trap.  Although  despairing  of  escape,  lu;  groped  with  his  hands  (o  discover 
what  it  was  that  thus  detained  hitu.  and  found  he  had  fallen  throiiudi  a  hark 
canoe,  the  bottom  of  which  had  heen  turned  upwards.  The  heart  of  the  fu- 
gitive now  sank  within  him :  thent  could  he  no  douht  that  his  retreat  was  in- 
terc('i>ted.  The  canoe  had  liccu  pliiced  there  since  he  last  passed  through  the 
ravire :  and  it  was  evident  from  the  close  and  trium[)hant  yell  that  followed 
the  rending  of  the  frail  ijark,  such  a  result  had  l)een  anticipated. 

Stunned  as  ho  was  hy  the  terrific  cries  of  the  savages,  and  confu.sed  as  were 
his  ideas.  Captain  de  llaldimar  had  still  presence  of  mind  to  perceive  the  path 
.tself  ollered  him  no  further  security.  He  therefore  (piitled  it  altogether,  and 
struck,  in  an  oblitjue  direction,  up  the  opposite  face  of  the  ravine.  Scarcely 
had  he  gone  twenty  j'ards.  when  he  heaitl  the  voices  of  several  Indians  cou- 
Twsinir  earnestly  neai  the  canoe  he  lind  just  quitted  ;  and  presently  aft erwarda 
be  oould  distinctly  hear  them  ascending  the  opposite  brow  of  the  ravine  bv 
the  pnth  he  had  recently  congratulated  himself  on  having  abandoned.  To  ad- 
vance or  to  recede  was  now  equally  impracticable:  for,  on  every  side,  he  waa 
hegiit  l>y  enemies,  into  whose  hamls  a  siiiule  false  step  must  inevitably  betray 
him.  AV'liat  would  he  not  have  given  fi;r  the  presence  of  Oucanasta,  who  waa 
•SO  cajiable  of  advising  him  in  this  dilliculty!  but.  from  the  moment  of  his  de- 
scending into  the  ravine,  he  had  utterly  lost  sight  of  her. 

The  spot  on  which  he  now  rested  was  covered  with  thick  brushwood,  closely 
interwoven  at  their  tops,  but  ailbr  ling  sufficient  space  beneath  for  a  temporary 
close  concealment;  .so  that,  unlesr;  .some  Tnilian  should  touch  him  with  hia 
foot,  there  was  little  .seeming  probability  of  his  being  di.scovercd  by  the  eye. 
Under  this  he  crept,  and  lay,  bi'ealhloss  and  motionles.s,  with  his  head  raised 
from  the  ground,  and  his  ear  on  the  stretch  for  the  slightest  noise.  For  several 
minutes  he  remained  in  this  position,  vainly  seeking  to  catch  the  sound  of  a 
voice,  or  the  fall  of  a  footstep ;  but  the  most  deathlike  silence  had  succeeded 
to  the  tierce  yelliiigs  that  had  so  recently  rent  the  forest.  At  times  he  fancied 
he  cou'd  distinguish  faint  noises  in  the  direction  of  the  encampment;  and  so 
Certain  was  he  of  this,  he  at  length  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  Indians, 
either  balHed  in  their  search,  had  relintpiished  the  pursuit,  or,  having  encount- 
eied  Ou'janasta,  had  been  tlirown  on  a  dillerent  scent.  His  first  intention  had 
been  to  lie  concealed  until  the  following  night,  when  the  warriors,  no  longer 
on  the  alert,  should  leave  the  path  once  more  open  to  him  ;  but  now  that  the 
conviction  of  their  return  was  stroug  on  his  mind,  he  changed  his  determina- 
tion, resolving  to  make  the  best  oi"  his  way  to  the  fort  with  the  aid  of  the  ap- 
proaching dawn.  With  this  'iew  he  partly  witlidrew  his  body  from  beneath 
its  canopy  of  underwood ;  but  .scnrcely  had  he  done  so,  when  a  hundred  tongues, 
like  the  baying  of  so  many  bloot' -hounds,  again  rent  the  air  with  their  wild 
cries,  which  seemed  to  rise  up  from  the  very  bowels  of  the  earth,  and  close  to 
tlie  appalled  ear  of  the  young  officer. 

Scarcely  conscious  of  what  he  did,<Japtain  de  Haldimar  grasped  one  of  his 
j[Ui>toL»{»  far  h»  fancied  he  felt  the  hot  breathing  of  human  life  upon  his  cheek. 


II 


Hi 


^.- 


.|[5>]Si 


¥4 


130 


WAC^tlTl,  tB,  THE  Pll©PHItT. 


With  a  alcVly  sensation  of  fear,  ho  turned  to  fiatisfy  himself  whether  H  was 
not  an  illusion  of  his  hoated  imaf^jination.  What,  howevor,  was  his  dismay, 
when  ho  beheld  bendinj^over  hini  a  dark  and  houvy  form,  the  outline  of  wliich 
»Iuno  was  distinguishable  in  Die  deep  glooni  in  which  the  ravine  remained  cn- 
teloped  !  Dospi'ration  was  in  the  heart  of  the  excited  ofliccr :  he  cocked  his 
pistol ;  but  scarcely  had  the  sharp  clicking  sound  floated  on  the  air,  when  ho 
felt  a  powerful  hand  ujjon  his  chest ;  and.  with  as  much  faciljty  as  if  he  had 
been  a  child,  was  he  raised  by  that  invisiolo  hand  to  his  feet.  A  dozen  war- 
riors now  sprang  to  the  assistance  of  their  comrade,  when  the  whole,  having 
disarmed  and  bound  their  prisoner,  led  him  back  in  triumph  to  their  encamp- 
DKint. 


CHAPTER  xvm. 


Thb  fires  of  the  Indians  were  now  nearly  extinct ;  but  the  faint  light  of  the 
fikst  dawning  day  threw  a  ghastly,  sickly,  hue  over  the  ccmtenanccs  of  the 
Bavi^es,  which  rendered  them  even  more  terrific  in  their  war  paint.  The 
chiefs  grouped  themselves  immediately  around  thei.  --^isoner,  while  the  inferior 
warriors,  forming  an  outer  "ircle,  stood  leaning  their  dark  forms  upon  their 
nfles,  and  following,  with  keen  and  watchful  eye ,  every  movement  of  their 
captive.  Ilitlicrto  the  unfortunate  of!icer  had  been  too  much  engrossed  by 
his  despair  to  pay  an}'  immediate  .ittenti  m  to  the  individual  who  had  first 
discovered  and  seized  him.  It  was  sufRcicnt  for  him  to  know  all  hope  of  the 
Sfcfety  of  the  garrison  h^d  iKTishefJ  with  his  captivity;  and,  with  that  reck- 
lessness of  life  which  often  springs  from  the  very  consciousness  of  inabiJity  to 
preserve  it,  he  now  sullenly  awaited  the  death  which  he  expected  at  each  mo- 
ment would  be  inflicted.  Suddenly  his  ear  was  startled  oy  an  interrogatory, 
iu  English,  from  one  who  stood  behind  him. 

With  a  movement  of  surprise,  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  turned  to  examine  his 
questioner.  It  was  the  dark  and  ferocious  warrior  who  had  exhibited  the 
scalp  of  his  ill-fated  servant.  For  a  moment  the  officer  fixed  his  eyes  finnly 
and  unshrinkingly  on  those  of  the  savage,  seeking  to  reconcile  the  contradic- 
tion that  existed  between  his  dress  and  features  and  the  purity  of  the  English 
he  had  just  spoken.  The  other  saw  his  drift,  and,  impatient  of  the  scrutiny, 
again  repeated,  as  he  fiercely  pulled  the  strong  leathern  thong  by  which  the 
prisoner  now  found  himself  secured  to  his  girdle, — 

"  Who  and  what  are  you  ? — whence  come  you  ? — and  for  what  purpose  are 
you  here  ?"  Then,  as  if  struck  by  some  sudden  recollection,  he  laid  his  hand 
upon  the  shoulder  of  his  victim  ;  and,  while  his  eye  grow  upon  his  features, 
he  pursued,  in  a  tone  of  vehemence, — "  Ha  I  by  heaven,  I  should  know  that 
face  ! — the  cursed  lines  of  the  blood  of  De  Haldimar  are  stamped  upon  that 
brow !  But  stay,  one  proof  and  I  am  satisfied."  While  he  yet  spoke  he  dashed 
the  menial  hat  of  his  captive  to  the  earth,  put  aside  his  hair,  and  then,  with 
fiendish  exultation,  pursued, — "  It  is  even  so.  Do  you  recollect  the  battle  of 
the  plains  of  Abraham,  Captain  de  Haldimar  1  Recollect  you  the  French 
officer  who  aimed  so  desperately  at  your  life,  and  whose  ol^ect  was  defeated 


\VACOUSTA,  OR,  TU£  rKOPUfiCT. 


131 


whether  H  was 
as  his  dismaj', 
utlinc  of  whuH 
0  remained  en- 
he  cocked  his 
ic  air,  vrlicn  ho 
ty  as  if  ho  had 
A  dozen  war- 
whole,  having 
their  encamp. 


inth'ghtofthc 
inances  of  the 
r  paint.    The 
ile  the  inferior 
IS  upon  their 
mcnt  of  their 
engrossed  by 
rho  had  first 
II  hope  of  the 
th  that  reck- 
of  inabUit}'  ta 
d  at  each  mo- 
IntciTogatory, 

3  examine  his 
Bxhibited  the 
s  eyes  tinnly 
fie  contradic- 
f  the  Enj^lish 
the  scrutiny, 
)y  whioh  the 

t  purpose  are 
aid  his  hand 
his  features, 
d  know  that 
d  upon  that 
ke  he  dashed 
:1  then,  with 
the  battle  of 
the  French 
iras  defeated 


by  a  Boldfer  of  your  replmentt  I  am  that  officer ;  my  victim  escaped  me  then, 
but  not  for  ever.  The  hour  of  vengeance  is  now  nonrly  arrived,  and  your 
capture  is  the  pled<;e  of  njy  success.  Hark,  how  tlie  dcuth-cry  of  all  his  hated 
race  will  rinj;  in  madness  on  your  fatlior's  ear  !" 

Amazement,  stupi'fiutiou.  and  horror,  filled  the  mind  of  the  wretched  officer 
at  this  extraordinary  declaration,  lie  perfectly  recollirted  that  the  individua. 
who  had  evinced  so  uuich  personal  hostility  ou  tlie  occasion  allude«l  to,  wut 
indeed  a  man  wenriii^'  tlie  French  uniform.  altliou;:l\  at  the  head  of  a  band  of 
Nivajros,  and  of  a  stature  and  strenjrth  similar  to  those  of  him  who  now  ho 
fiercely  avowed  himself  the  hitter  and  deadly  foe  of  all  his  race.  If  this  wore 
no.  and  his  tone  and  lansuajic  left  little  room  for  loubt.  the  doom  of  the  ill- 
fated  garrison  was  in<leed  irrevocably  sealed.  This  mysterious  enemy  evi- 
(lently  possessed  great  influence  in  the  councils  of  the  Indians :  and  while  the 
hot  breath  of  his  hatred  coutuiued  to  fan  the  tlame  of  (ii-rce  hostility  that  had 
been  kindled  in  the  bosom  of  Ponteac.  whose  partieidar  friend  he  appeared  to 
be,  there  woidd  be  no  end  to  the  atiocities  that  must  follow.  Great,  however, 
as  was  the  di.smay  of  Captain  de  Ilaldimar,  who.  exhausted  with  the  u<lven- 
tures  of  the  night,  presented  a  ghastly  image  of  an.xiety  and  fatigue,  it  was 
impossible  for  him  to  repress  the  feelings  of  indignation  with  which  the  lan- 
guage of  this  fierce  man  had  inspired  him. 

'•  If  you  are  iii  .eality  a  French  officer,"  he  .said,  "and  not  an  Englishman 
as  your  accent  would  denote,  the  sentiments  you  have  now  avowed  nuiy  well 
justify  the  belief,  that  you  have  been  driven  with  ignominy  I'rom  a  i>ervice 
which  your  presence  iniist  eternally  have  disgraced.  There  is  no  coimtry  in 
Europe  that  would  wdlingly  daimyou  for  its  subject.  Nay.  even  the  savage 
race,  with  whom  you  are  now  connected,  would,  if  apprised  of  your  true 
nattu-e.  spurn  you  as  a  thing  unworthy  to  herd  even  with  their  wolf-dogs." 

A  fierce  sardonic  laugh  burst  fiom  the  lips  of  the  warrior,  but  this  was  so 
mingled  with  rage  as  to  give  an  almost  devilish  expression  to  his  fcatiires. 

''  Ignominy — ignominy  !"  he  repeated,  while  his  right  hand  played  convul- 
sively with  the  handle  of  his  tomahawk  ;  "  is  it  for  a  De  Ilaldimar  to  taunt 
me  with  ignominy  ?  Fool !"  he  pursued,  after  a  momentary  pause,  "you  have 
sealed  your  doom."  Then  aV)ruptly  quitting  the  handle  of  his  weapon,  he 
thrust  his  hand  into  his  bosom,  and  again  drawing  forth  the  reeking  .scalp  of 
Donellan,  he  dashed  it  furiously  in  the  face  of  his  prisoner.  ''  Not  two  hours 
•Jince."  he  exclaimed,  "I  cheered  myself  with  the  thouuht  that  the  scalp  of  - 
De  lialiiimar  was  in  my  pouch.  Now.  uideed.  do  I  giory  in  my  mistake 
The  torture  will  be  a  more  lilting  death  for  you." 

Had  an  arm  of  the  insulted  sohiiei'  been  at  liberty,  the  offence  would  not 
have  gone  unavenged  evcju  there;  for  such  was  the  desperation  of  his  heart, 
that  he  felt  he  could  have  hugged  the  death  struggle  with  his  insolent  c.ijjtor, 
notwithstanding  the  fearful  odds,  nor  (piitted  lum  until  one  or  both  sfiould 
have  paid  the  debt  of  fierce  enmity  with  life.  As  it  was  he  could  only  betray, 
by  his  fia,shing  eye,  excited  look,  and  the  impatient  play  of  his  foot  upon  tlia 
ground,  the  deep  indignation  that  con.sumed  his  heart. 

The  tall  savage  exulted  in  the  moi'tification  he  had  awakened,  and  as  his 
eye  glanced  insolently  fron;  head  to  foot  along  his  enemy,  its  expression  told 
how  much  he  laughed  at  the  impotence  of  his  anger.  Suddenly,  however,  a 
change  j>assed  over  liis  fc«ture8»    The  mocassin  of  the  otiicer  had  evidently 


<%  I.'- 


t  ' 


M 


m 


ill 


Tr,2 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


l.^\^ 


attracted  his  attention,  and  he  now  demanded,  in  a  more  serious  and  Impera- 
tive tone, — 

"  Ila  !  what  means  this  disjijuise?  Who  is  the  "vretch  whom  T  have  slain, 
mistakiu";  him  for  a  nobler  victim  ;  and  how  comes  it  that  an  officer  of  the 
English  garrison  appears  here  in  the  garb  of  a  servant?  Byheaven.it  is 
so !  3'ou  are  oouie  as  a  spy  into  the  camp  ef  the  Indians  to  steal  away  the 
councils  of  the  chiefs.     Speak,  what  have  you  heard  ?" 

With  these  (iiu'stions  returned  the  calm  and  self-pos.sc.ssion  of  the  officer. 
He  at  once  saw  the  importance  of  his  answer,  on  which  hung  not  merely  his 
own  last  faijit  cliance  of  .safety,  but  that  also  of  his  generous  deliverer.  Strug- 
gling to  subdue  the  disgust  which  he  felt  at  holding  converse  with  this  atrocious 
monster,  he  asked  in  turn, — 

"  Am  1  then  the  only  one  whom  the  warriors  have  overtaken  in  their  pur- 
suit?" 

"  There  was  a  woman,  the  .sister  of  that  boy,"  and  he  pointed  contemptu- 
ously to  the  young  chief  who  had  so  recently  assailed  him,  and  who  now,  in 
conujjon  with  his  followers,  stood  impatiently  listening  to  a  colloquy  that  was 
unintelligible  to  all.  "  Sj)eak  truly,  was  she  not  the  traitress  who  conductetl 
3'ou  lure  ?" 

''Had  you  found  me  here,"  returned  the  officer,  with  difficulty  repressing 
hi.s  feelings,  "  theie  miirht  have  been  some  ground  for  the  assertion  ;  but 
surely  the  councils  of  the  chiefs  could  not  be  overheard  at  the  distant  point  at 
which  you  di.scovered  me." 

''  Why  then  were  you  there  in  this  disguise  ? — and  who  is  he,"  again  hold- 
ing up  tiie  bloody  .scalp,  "  whom  1  have  despoiled  of  this  ?" 

"  There  are  few  of  the  Ottawa  Indians,"  returned  Captain  de  Ilaldimar, 
"  who  are  ignorant  that  I  once  saved  that  yoimg  woman's  life.  Is  it  tht  n  so 
very  extraordinary  an  attachment  should  have  been  the  con.sequence  ?  The 
man  whom  you  slew  was  my  servant.  I  had  brought  him  out- with  ne  for 
protection  duri'ig  my  interview  with  the  woman,  and  I  exchanged  my  uniibrm 
with  him  for  the  .same  purpose.  There  is  nothing  in  this,  however,  to  warrant 
the  supjjusition  rf  my  being  a  sp3\" 

During  the  delivery  of  the.se  more  than  equivocal  sentences,  which,  how- 
ever, he  felt  wfre  fully  justified  by  circumstances,  the  young  officer  had  strug- 
■'!ed  to  appear  calm  and  confident ;  but.  despite  of  his  exertions,  his  con- 
i,?iousne.ss  caused  his  cheek  to  color,  and  his  eye  to  quail  beneath  the 
searching  glance  of  his  ferocious  enemy.  The  latter  thru.st  hia  hand  into  his 
chest,  and  s!o\»ly  djew  forth  the  rope  he  had  previously  exhibited  to  Ponteac. 

"  Do  you  think  me  a  fool.  Captain  de  Ilahlinuir,"  he  observed  sneeringly, 
"that  you  expect  .so  paltry  a  tale  to  be  palmed  succes.sfully  on  my  uuder- 
Btauding  1     An  Knglish  of^cer  is  not  very  likely  to  run  the  ri.sk  of  breaking 
his  neck  by  having  recour.se  to  such  a  means  of  exit  from  a  besieged  garri.sou 
«nerely  to  ii!ttij,ue  with  an  Indian  woman  when  there  are  plenty  of  soldiers 
^ivpp  'vithui.  and  that  too  at  an  hour  wh'sn  he  knows  the  scorSof  his  one 
jdies  are  !)rowling  in  the  neighborhood.    ( 'aptain  de  Haldimar,"  he  concluded 
•loviy  and  delibeiatel}'^  "  you  have  lied." 

Despite  of  the  last  insult,  his  prLsonei  lemained  calm.  The  very  obser* 
va'^^ion  that  had  just  been  made  afforded  him  a  final  hope  of  exculpatioa, 
which,  if  it  benefited  not  himijclf,  mi^ht  stLJ  be  ef  service  to  the  generovM 


WACOUSTA.  ©R,  'liHE  PROPHECY. 


133 


"Tlio  onus  of  such  laufniape."  lie  oTisorvod  coolly  and  with  iHirnitv.  "  fall?, 
m  t  on  I  im  to  whom  it  is  adclrcssuil.  l»ut  on  him  who  utters  it.  Yoi  one  \v  lio 
professes  to  have  been  himself  a  soldier,  must  see  in  this  very  circmnst incc  a 
proof  of  my  innocence.  Had  I  ueon  sent  out  as  a  spy  to  rcconnoitie  the 
•jiovements,  and  to  overhear  1  he  'imnril  of  our  enoniics.  the  pair 


vriUid  i'.avo 


been  open  for  my  egi-ess ;  hut  thiU  rope  is  in  itself  an  c\ideucv.  I  must  have 
stolen  fo'th  unknown  to  the  jrarr: du." 

Whether  it  was  that  the  warricr  had  his  own  particular  reasons  for  attach- 
in<j;  truth  to  this  statement,  or  thfit  he  merely  pretended  to  do  so.  Captain  de 
lialditnar  saw  with  secret  satisfaction  his  last  argument  was  conclusive. 

'•  Well,  be  it  so,"  retorted  the  snvage,  while  a  ferocious  smile  ]!assed  over  his 
?warthy  features  ;  "but,  whether  you  have  been  here  as  a  sp}-.  or  have  merely 
ventured  out  in  prosecution  of  an  intrigue,  it  matters  not.  Before  the  sun 
has  travelled  far  in  the  meridian  y.>u  die;  and  the  tomahawk  of  your  fallwr's 
deadly  foe— of— of— of  Wacousta,  us  I  am  called,  shall  be  the  fiist  to  di ink 
your  blood." 

The  officer  made  a  final  effort  at  mercy.  "  Who  or  what  you  are,  or  whence 
your  hatred  of  my  family,  I  kno\,  not."  he  said  ;  ''  but  surely  I  have  never 
injured  you  :  wherefore,  then,  this  insatiable  thirst  for  my  blood  ?  If  you  aro 
indeed  a  Christian  and  a  soldier,  i.'t  your  heart  be  touched  with  hunianity, 
And  procure  my  restoration  to  my  fiiends.  You  once  attempted  my  life  in 
lionorable  combat,  why  not  wait,  then,  until  a  tittifig  opportunity  shall  give 
not  a  bound  and  defenceless  victii  j  to  your  steel,  but  onewho.se  resistance 
may  render  liim  a  conquest  worth  .'  of  your  arm  ?" 

'•  What !  and  be  balked  of  the  vY  ance  of  my  just  revenge  ?  Hear  nic.  Cap- 
tain de  Ilaldimar,"  he  pursued,  in  -hat  low,  quick,  deep  tone  that  told  all  the 
*;trong  excitement  of  his  heart: — '  I  have,  it  is  true,  no  particular  enmity  to 
yourself,  further  than  that  you  ar;  a  De  Ilaldimar ;  but  hell  does  not  supply 
a  feeling  half  so  bitter  as  my  emai  y  to  your  proud  father  :  and  months,  nay 
years,  have  I  passed  in  the  hope  of  such  an  hour  as  this.  For  this  I  have  Co; 
sworn  my  race  and  become — wha.  you  now  behold  me — a  savage  bcth  in 
parb  and  character.  But  this  matters  not,"  he  continued,  lieroely  and  impa- 
tiently, •'  3'our  doom  is  sealed  ;  and  before  another  sun  has  ri.sen.  your  sterr 
father's  gaze  shall  be  blasted  with  the  sight  of  th"i  mangled  carcass  of  his  first 
horn.  Ha  !  ha !  ha !"  and  he  laughed  low  and  exultingly,  "  even  now  I  think 
I  see  him  withering,  if  heart  so  hard  can  wither,  beneath  this  proof  of  my 
^.iidying  hate." 

"  Fiend ! — monster !— devil !"  exclaimed  the  excited  officer,  now  losing  sight 
of  all  considerations  of  prudence  in  the  deep  horror  inspii'ed  by  his  captor  : — 
"  Kill  me — torture  me — commit  any  cruelty  on  me,  if  such  be  youi-  savage 
will ;  but  outrage  not  hiunanity  by  the  fulfilment  of  3  our  last  disgusting 
threat.  Suffer  not  a  father's  heart  to  be  agoni.sed — a  father's  eye  to  be 
blasted — with  a  view  of  the  mangled  remains  of  him  to  whom  he  has  given 
Ufo." 

Again  the  savage  rudely  prilled  the  thong  that  bound  his  prisoner  to  his 
girdk  and  removing  his  touahawk  from  his  belt,  ajid  holding  its  sullied 
point  close  under  the  eye  of  the  former,  exclaimed,  as  he  bent  eagerly  ovei 
him, — 

«( See  you  this,  Captain  de  Haldimar  ?    At  the  still  hour  of  midnight,  while 


•I 


.-.  m 


134 


WACOrsTA,  OR.  THE  fROPHECY. 


\ou  had  abandoned  _yoiir  jriianT  to  rovel  in  tlie  arms  of  your  Tinli.in  Ix  :ni!v, 
■  stole  into  thu  Ibrt  by  lucims  of  tliu  >ai!K'  rope  llint  j'ou  hiid  used  in  qnittiiij; 
it  Unseen  by  tho  sentinels.  1  jrainod  your  fntllor^s  nparfincnt.  Tt  wjis  tht 
drst  time  we  had  met  for  tM  inty  years;  and  I  do  believe,  tluit  ha<  the  very 
devd  himst^ir  presented  liiinsc'f  in  my  i)'ii;^('  ho  wou'd  .lave  liecn  roc(  ived  with 
fewer  marks  of  horro-.  Oh,  how  tliat  proud  uuii'.s  eye  quailed  beneath  itua 
glittering  blade  !  lie  attempted  to  call  out,  >)ut  my  look  paralysed  his  toni^uc, 
and  cold  drops  of  sweat  stole  rapidly  down  his  i)row  and  cheek.  Then  it  was 
that  ray  seared  heart  once  more  beat  with  the  in'oxicution  of  triumph.  Your 
father  was  alone  and  unarmed,  and  throughout  tht  fort  not  a  .soHnd  was  to  be 
heard,  save  the  distant  tread  of  the  sentinels.  I  could  have  laid  him  dead  at 
my  feet  at  a  single  blow,  and  3'et  have  secured  my  retreat.  But  no,  that  was 
not  my  object.  I  came  to  taunt  him  with  the  promise  of  my  revenge — to  tell 
iiim  the  hour  of  my  tiiumph  was  approaching  fast ;  and,  ha ! "  he  concluded, 
laughing  hideousl}--  as  he  passed  his  large  rude  hand  through  tho  wavy  hair 
of  the  now  uncovered  officer,  "this  is,  indeed,  a  fair  and  unexpected  first 
earnest  of  the  full  redemption  of  my  {)!edge.  No — no  !"  ho  continue  1.  as  if 
talking  to  liimself,  "  he  must  not  die.  Tantalus-like,  he  shall  have  de-ith  ever 
apparently  within  his  grasp ;  but  until  all  his  race  have  perished  before  hi.s 
eyes,  he  shall  not  attain  it." 

Ilitheito  the  Indians  had  preserved  an  attitude  of  quiet,  listening  to  the 
interrogatories  put  to  the  prisoner  with  that  wonder  and  cuiiosity  with  which 
a  savage  people  hear  a  language  diffeient  from  their  own  ;  and  jnarking  tlic 
seveial  emotions  that  wei'c  elicited  in  the  course  of  the  animated  colloquy  of 
the  pale  faces.  Graduall}'^,  however,  they  became  impatient  under  its  duia- 
tion  ;  and  many  of  them,  in  the  excitement  produced  by  the  fierce  maiuitr 
of  iiim  who  was  called  "Wacousta.  fixed  theii  dark  eyes  upon  tlie  captive, 
while  they  grasped  the  handles  of  their  tomahawks,  as  if  they  would  have 
disputed  with  the  former  the  privilege  of  d^'ing  his  weapon  first  in  his  iilood 
When  they  saw  the  warrior'tiold  up  his  menacing  f)lade  to  the  eye  of  his  vic- 
tim, while  he  passed  his  hand  through  the  redundant  hair,  that  at  once  in- 
ferred the  sacrifice  was  about  to  be  completed,  and  rushing  furiously  forward, 
they  bounded,  and  leaped,  and  yelled,  an'i  brandished  their  own  weapons  in 
the  most  appalling  manner. 

Already  had  the  unhappy  o.Ticer  given  him.self  up  for  lost;  fifty  bright 
tomahawks  were  playing  about  his  head  at  the  same  instant,  and  death — 
that  death  which  is  never  without  tei-ror  to  the  young,  however  brave  they 
may  be  in  the  hour  of  generous  conflict — seemed  to  have  arrived  at  last.  He 
raised  his  eyes  to  heaven,  committing  his  soul  to  his  God  in  the  same  silent 
prayer  that  he  offered  up  for  the  preservation  of  his  friends  and  comrades ; 
and  then  bending  them  upon  the  earth,  sunmioned  all  his  collectcdness  and 
courage  to  sustain  him  through  the  trial.  At  the  very  moment,  however. 
when  he  expected  to  feel  the  crashing  steel  within  his  brain,  tie  felt  himseif 
again  violently  pulled  by  the  thong  that  .secured  his  hands.  In  the  next  in- 
stant he  was  pressed  close  to  the  cliest  of  his  vast  enemy,  who,  with  one  arm 
encircling  his  prisoner,  and  the  other  brandishing  his  fierce  blade  in  rapul 
evolutions  round  his  head,  kept  the  yelling  band  at  bay,  with  the  evident  un- 
shaken determination  to  maintain  his  sole  and  acknowledged  right  to  the 
disposal  of  his  captive. 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROFHfiCY. 


'C: 


1^5 


For  several  moments  the  event  appeared  dotibtfiil ;  but,  notwithstanding 
nis  extreme  agility  in  the  use  of  a  weapon,  in  the  management  of  which  he 
Dvinced  all  the  dexterity  of  the  most  p>  actised  native,  the  odds  were  fearfully 
against  Wacousta  ;  and  whi'e  >i  s  flashing  eye  and  swelling  chest  betrayed  his 
pui-pose  rather  to  perish  himself  than  sufler  the  hifringement  of  his  claim,  it 
was  evident  that  numbers  must,  in  the  end.  prevail  against  him.  On  an  ap- 
peal to  Ponteac.  however,  of  which  he  now  suddenly  bethou,-ht  himself,  th»> 
authority  of  the  latter  was  successfully  exerted,  and  he  was  again  left  in  the 
full  and  undisturbed  possession  of  his  prisoner. 

A  low  and  earnest  conversation  new  ensued  among  the  chiefs,  in  which,  a.s 
before,  Wacousta  bore  a  principal  part.  When  this  was  terminated,  several 
Indians  approached  the  unh»**'v  jfflcer,  and  '" fastening  the  thong  with 
«rhich  his  hands  were  firmly  and  even  painfully  girt,  deprived  him  both  oi 
coat,  waistcoat  and  shirt.  He  was  then  bound  a  second  time  in  the  sam« 
manner,  his  body  besmeared  with  paint,  and  his  head  so  disgui-sed  as  to  givt 
him  the  caricature  semblance  of  Indian  warrior.  When  the.se  preparations 
were  completed,  he  was  led  to  the  tree  in  which  he  had  been  previously  con- 
cealed, and  there  firmly  secured.  ^Meanwhile  Wacousta.  at  the  head  of  a  nu- 
merous band  tf  warriors,  had  departed  once  more  in  the  direction  of  the  Ibrt. 

With  the  rising  of  the  sun  now  vanished  all  traces  of  the  mist  that  had  fallen 
since  the  eai-Iy  hours  of  morning.  leaving  the  unfortunate  officer  ample  leisure 
to  survey  the  difliculties  of  his  position.  He  had  fancied,  from  the  course 
taken  by  his  guide  the  previous  night,  that  the  plain  or  oasis,  as  we  have  else 
where  termed  it,  l.iy  in  the  very  heart  of  the  forest ;  but  that  route  now  prov 
ed  to  have  been  circuitous.  The  tree  lo  which  he  was  bound  was  one  of  a 
slight  belt,  separating  the  encampment  from  the  open  grounds  which  extend 
ed  towards  the  river,  and  which  was  so  thin  and  scattered  on  that  side  as  to 
leave  the  clear  silver  waters  of  the  Detroit  visible  at  intervals.  Oh,  what 
would  he  not  have  given,  at  that  cheering  sight,  to  have  had  his  limbs  free, 
and  his  chance  of  life  staked  on  the  swiftness  of  his  fliglit !  While  he  had  im- 
aj^ined  himself  begirt  by  interminable  forest,  he  fjit  as  one  who.se  very  thought 
to  elude  those  who  were  in,  some  degree,  the  deities  of  that  wild  scene,  must 
be  paralysed  in  its  first  conception.  But  here  was  the  vivifying  picture  of  ci- 
vilised  nature.  Corn  fields,  although  trodden  down  and  destroyed — dwelling 
houses,  although  burnt  or  dilapidated — told  of  the  existence  of  those  who 
were  of  the  same  race  with  hiui.sclf ;  and  notwithstanding  these  had  perished 
even  as  he  must  perish,  still  there  was  something  in  the  aspect  of  the  very 
ruins  of  their  habitations  which,  contrasl.(;<l  with  the  solemn  gloom  of  tho 
forest,  carried  a  momentary  and  indelinabie  consolation  to  his  spirit.  Then 
there  was  the  ripe  and  teeming  orchard,  and  the  low  whitewashed  cabin  of  Uie 
Canadian  peasant,  to  whom  the  offices  of  charity,  and  the  duties  of  humanity, 
wece  no  strangers;  and  who.  also,  although  tho  secret  enemies  of  his  countr}^ 
had  no  motive  for  personal  hostility  towards  himself.  Then,  on  the  river  itself, 
even  at  that  early  hour,  was  to  be  seen,  fastened  to  the  long  stake  driven  into 
its  bed,  or  secured  by  the  rude  anchor  of  stone  appended  to  a  cable  of  twisted 
baric,  tho  light  canoe  or  clumsy  periagua  of  tho  peasant  fisherman,  who, . 
ever  and  anon,  drew  up  from  its;  deep  bosom  whatever  tenant  of  these  waters 
might  chance  to  affix  itself  to  the  traitorous  hook.  It  is  true  that  his  view 
of  these  objects  was  only  occasional  and  indistinct;  but  his  intimate  acquain- 


u'  iX 


'^  I 


136 


WACOtJSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


.    i 


tance  with  the  localities  beyond  brought  everything  before  Captain  de  Haldi- 
mar's  eye ;  and  even  while  he  sijrhcd  to  think  they  were  for  ever  cut  off  from 
his  reach,  he  already,  in  idea,  followed  the  course  of  tlight  he  should  pursue 
were  the  power  but  afforded  hiui. 

From  this  train  of  piinful  and  o\citin,'r  thoncrht  the  wrtfrhod  captive  was 
•roused,  by  a  faint  btU  (.'oiitinui-'d  yelling  in  a  distant  part  of  tlic  forest,  and  in 
the  direction  that  had  boon  tnkcn  by  Wacousta  and  his  warriors.  Then,  after 
a  short  interval,  came  the  loud  booming  of  the  cannon  of  the  fort,  carried  on 
with  a  spirit  anr]  promptitude  that  told  of  some  pressing  and  dangerous  em- 
ergency, and  fainter  aftorwanls  the  sharp  shrill  reports  of  the  rifles,  bearing 
evidence  the  savages  were  already  in  close  collision  with  the  garrison.  Va- 
rious were  the  conjectures  that  passed  rapidly  through  the  mind  of  the  y^nng 
officer,  during  a  firing  that  had  called  almost  every  Indian  in  the  encam{miont 
away  to  the  scene  of  action,  save  the  two  or  three  young  Ottawas  who  had  been 
left  to  guard  his  own  person,  and  who  lay  upon  the  sward  near  him.  with 
head  erect  and  ear  slmrfdy  set.  listening  to  the  startling  sounds  of  conflict. 
What  the  motive  of  tlie  hurried  departure  of  the  Indians  was  he  knew  not ; 
but  he  had  conie(^tured  the  object  of  the  fierce  Wacousta  was  to  possess  him- 
self of  the  uniform  in  wliich  his  wretched  .servant  was  clothed,  that  no  mistake 
might  occur  in  his  identity .  when  its  true  owner  should  be  exhibited  in  it 
within  view  of  .he  foit.  mansiled  and  disfigui-cl.  in  the  manner  that  fierce  and 
mysterious  man  Had  already  threatened.  It  was  exccedingl)'^  \  robable  ilia 
f»ody  of  Donellan  had  been  mistaken  for  his  own,  and  that  in  the  anxittty  of 
his  father  to  prevent  the  Indians  from  carrying  it  olf.  the  cannon  had  boon 
directed  to  open  upon  them.  But  if  this  were  the  case,  how  were  the  rej-orts 
of  the  rifles,  and  the  fierce  yeliings  that  continued,  .save  at  intervals,  to  ring 
throughout  the  forest  to  be  accounted  for?  The  bullets  of  the  Indians  evi- 
dently could  not  reach  the  fort,  and  they  were  too  wily,  and  attached  too 
much  value  to  their  ammunition,  to  risk  a  shot  that  was  not  certain  of  can  y- 
ing  a  wouvd  with  if.  For  a  moment  the  fact  itself  flashed  across  his  mind, 
and  he  attributed  tlie  fire  of  small  arms  to  the  attack  and  defence  of  a  party 
that  had  been  .sent  out  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  body,  supjiosed  to  be 
his  own ;  yet,  if  so.  again  how  was  lie  to  account  for  his  not  hearing  the  re- 
port of  a  single  musket?  Ilis  ear  was  too  well  practised  not  to  know  the 
sharj)  crack  of  the  rifle  IVom  the  heavy  dull  discharge  of  the  musket,  and  as 
yet  the  former  onl}^  had  been  distinguishable,  amid  the  intervals  that  ensued 
between  each  sidlen  booming  of  the  cannon.  While  this  impression  continued 
on  the  mind  of  the  anxious  officer,  he  caught,  with  the  avidity  of  desperation, 
at  the  faint  and  implorable  idea  that  his  companions  might  l)e  able  to  pene- 
trate to  his  place  of  concealment,  and  procure  his  liberation ;  but  when  he 
found  the  firing,  instead  of  drawing  nearer,  was  confined  to  the  same  spot, 
and  even  more  tiercel}'  ke[it  up  by  the  Indians  towards*  the  close,  he  again 
gave  way  to  his  despair,  and  resigning  himself  to  his  fiite,  no  longer  sought 
comfort  in  vain  speculation  as  to  its  cause.  H  s  ear  now  caught  the  report  of 
the  last  shell  as  it  exploded,  and  then  all  was  ^till  and  hushed,  as  if  what  he 
had  so  recently  heard  was  but  a  dream. 

The  first  intimation  given  him  of  the  return  of  tho  savages  was  the  death 
howl,  set  up  by  the  women  within  the  encau  pment.  Captain  de  Haldimar 
turned  his  eyes,  instinct  with  terror  towards  the  scene,  and  beheld  tho  war- 


\r^rotJ«'"A,  fm,  the  prophect. 


137 


nor"  slowly  Hsviinp:  from  the  oi)])ositc  si  lo  of  the  forest  into  tho  plain,  and 
beiirin"-  in  sileufe  the  (lead  Jind  stilfoned  forms  of  those  who  had  been  out 
down  hy  the  dostructivc  tire  from  the  fort.  Tlieir  mien  was  sullen  an<l  re- 
vengeful, and  more  than  one  dark  and  gleaminj;  eye  did  he  encounter  turned 
upon  him.  with  an  expression  that  seemed  to  say  a  separate  toi-tiu'c  shouUI 
avon<ie  the  death  of  each  of  their  fa'len  comrades. 

Tlie  early  pait  of  the  morning  wore  away  in  preparation  foi  the  interment 
of  the  sliiin.  These  were  placed  in  rows  under  the  council  shed,  where  they 
wore  aftentled  hy  then*  female  relatives,  who  composed  the  features  and  con- 
tiiicil  the  limbs,  while  the  gloomy  warriors  dug,  within  the  limit  of  the  en- 
cauiinnent,,  rude  graves,  of  a  depth  just  suflicient  to  receive  the  body.  When 
llii.'sc  \v»!re  comi)leted,  the  dead  were  deposited,  with  the  usual  superstitious 
I  ('iLin()ni(;s  of  these  people,  in  their  several  receptacles,  after  which  a  mound 
(if  earth  was  thrown  up  over  each,  each  and  the  whole  covered  with  round  logs. 
so  disposed  as  to  form  a  tomb  of  semicircular  shape :  at  the  head  of  each  grave 
was  linally  jtlanted  a  pole,  bearing  various  devices  in  paint,  intended  to  illus- 
',vate  the  warlike  achievements  of  the  defunct  parties. 

t'ai)tain  de  llaldimar  ha<l  followed  the  course  of  these  proceedings  with  a 
beatinii  heart ;  foi-  too  plainly  had  he  read  in  the  dark  and  threatening  mannei 
Ixtth  of  men  and  women,  that  the  retribution  about  to  be  wreaked  upon  him- 
self would  be  terrible  indeed.  Much  as  he  clung  to  life,  and  bitterly  as  he 
niou) ned  at  his  early  cutting  oli'  fi(jm  the  affections  hitheito  identified  with  his 
existence,  his  wretchedness  would  liave  been  less,  had  he  not  been  overwhelme«\ 
by  the  conviction  that,  with  him,  must  pei-ish  every  chance  of  the  safety  ol 
those,  the  btxre  recollection  of  whom  made  the  bitterness  of  death  even  more 
h'tter.  Harrowing  as  vrere  these  retlections.  he  felt  that  immediate  destruc- 
tion, since  it  could  not  be  avoided,  would  be  rather  a  blessing  than  otherwise. 
Bet  such,  evidently,  was  m.t  the  purpose  of  his  reicntless  enemy.  Every 
ap-cies  of  torment  which  his  cruel  invention  could  supply  would,  he  felt  con- 
»  M-'od.  be  <?xprr>isod  nnon  !•'«  frame  •  and  with  this  imnression  on  his  mind,  it 
wotild  have  required  sterner  ncrveti  than  his.  not  to  have  siirunk  fr  tja  thi 
/(')  y  anticipation  of  so  dreadful  an  ordeal. 

It  was  now  noon,  and  yet  no  visible  preparation  was  makinj,  foi  the  con- 
sunniiation  of  the  sacrifice.  This,  Captain  de  llaldimar  imputed  to  the  absence 
III'  the  fierce  VVacousta,  whom  he  had  not  seen  since  the  return  of  the  warriors 
froiu  the  skirmish.  The  momentary  disappearance  of  this  extraordinary  and  fero- 
cious man  was,  however,  fraught  with  no  consolation  to  his  unfoilunate  priso- 
ner, who  felt  he  was  only  engaged  in  taking  such  measures  as  would  render 
not  only  his  destruction  more  certain,  but  his  preliminary  sufferings  more  com- 
plicated and  protiactcd.  Wh'le  he  was  thus  indulging  in  fruitless  speculation 
us  to  the  motive  for  his  absence,  he  fancied  he  heard  the  report  of  a  ritie,  suc- 
ceeded inmiediately  afterwards  by  the  war-whoop,  at  a  considerable  distance, 
and  in  the  direction  of  the  river.  In  this  impression  he  was  confirmed,  by  the 
sudden  upstarting  to  their  feet  of  the  young  Indians  to  whose  custody  he  had 
i>een  committed,  who  now  advanced  to  the  outer  edge  of  the  belt  of  forest, 
witli  the  apparent  object  of  obtaining  a  more  uncontined  view  of  the  open 
gi  ound  that  lay  beyond.  The  rapid  gliding  of  spectral  forms  from  the  interior 
of  the  encampment  in  the  same  direction,  denoted,  moreover,  that  the  Indiana 
generally  had  heard,  and  were  attracted  by  the  same  sound. 


iM 


V  i 


I 


I 


i  '-i 


i  I 


L    I 


i 


6'  lit 


i;M 


138 


W1.C0U8TA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


Presently  afterwards,  repeated  "wanghs!"  and  "Wacousta! — Waconsta !" 
fi-om  those  who  had  reached  the  extreme  skirt  of  the  forest,  fell  on  the  dis- 
mayed  ear  of  the  young  officer.  It  was  evident,  from  the  peculiar  tones  In 
which  these  words  were  pronounced,  that  they  bclield  that  warrior  appio.iph- 
ing  them  with  some  communication  of  inforcst;  and,  sick  at  heart,  and  lilled 
with  irrepressible  disuiay,  Captain  de  liuldimar  felt  his  pulse  to  throb  more 
▼iolcntly  as  each  moment  brought  his  enemy  nearer  to  him. 

A  startling  inttirest  was  now  created  among  the  Indians ;  for.  as  the  savaire 
warrior  nearcd  the  forest,  his  lips  pealed  forth  tliat  peculiar  cry  which  is  mciint 
to  announce  some  intelligence  of  alarm.  Scarcely  had  its  echoes  died  away  in 
the  forest,  when  the  whole  of  the  warriors  rushed  from  the  encamptnciu  to. 
wards  the  clearing.  Directed  by  i  sound,  Captain  de  Haldimar  bent  his 
eyes  upon  the  thin  skirt  of  wood  ti.at  lay  immediately  before  him,  and  at  In- 
tervals  could  see  the  towering  form  of  that  vast  warrior  bounding,  with  in- 
credible speed,  up  the  sloping  gjoimd  that  lefl  from  the  town  towards  the  loiest. 
A  ravine  lay  before  him  but  this  he  cleared  with  a  prodigious  ellbrt.  at  a  sin- 
gle leap ;  and  then,  continuing  his  way  v .)  the  slope,  amid  the  low  guttnv;il  no 
clamations  of  the  warriors  at  his  extraordinarj'  dexterity  and  strength,  tinally 
gained  the  side  of  Pontcac,  then  leaning  carelessly  aj;ainst  a  tree  at  a  shoit  dis- 
tance  from  the  prisoner. 

A  low  and  animated  conversation  now  ensued  between  these  two  important 
personages,  which  at  moments  assumed  the  character  of  violent  discussion. 
From  what  Captain  de  Haldimar  coidd  collect,  the  Ottawa  chief  was  seveii-ly 
reproving  his  friend  for  the  inconsiderate  ardor  which  had  led  him  that  nioni- 
ing  into  collision  with  those  whom  it  was  their  object  to  lull  into  security  by 
B  careful  avoidance  of  hostility,  and  urging  the  possibilit)'  of  their  plan  l)t'in!» 
defeated  in  consequence.  lie  moreover  obstinately  refused  the  pressing  re(|U('st 
of  Wacousta,  in  regard  to  some  j)rescnt  enterprise  which  the  latter  had  jnst 
suggested,  the  precise  nature  of  which,  however,  Cai)tain  de  Haldimar  (•(niM 
not  learn.  Meanwhile,  the  rapid  flitting  of- numerous  forms  to  and  fror.i  tlie 
encampment,  arrayed  in  all  the  tien^c  panoply  of  savage  warfare,  while  low  ex- 
clamations of  excitement  occasionally  caught  hi'",  ear,  led  the  officer  to  in!lr, 
Rtrange  and  unusual  as  such  an  ocoinTence  was,  that  either  the  detach iiu'ni 
already  engaged^  or  a  second,  was  advancing  on  their  position.  Still,  this  oll'emi 
little  chance  of  security  for  himsdf ;  for  more  than  once,  during  his  lonii  rcn- 
ference  with  Ponteac,  had  the  fierce  Wacousta  bent  his  cya  in  fero(;ious  tr;iun])h 
on  hia  rictim,  as  if  he  would  have  said, — "  Come  what  will — whatever  be  tin 
result — you,  at  least,  shall  not  escape  me."  Indeed,  so  confident  did  the  Initci 
'eel  that  the  instant  of  attack  would  be  the  signal  of  his  own  death,  that  ; "  > 
thu  first  momentary  and  insthictive  cheering  of  I, is  spii-it,  he  rather  regretted 
the  circumstance  of  their  approach  ;  or.  if  he  rejoiced  at  all,  it  was  only  because 
it  afforded  him  the  prospect  of  inunediatc  death.  in,;tead  of  being  exposed  to 
all  the  horror  of  a  lingering  and  .agonising  sullermg  from  the  torture. 

While  the  chiefs  were  yec  earnestly  conversing,  the  alarm  cry,  previously 
uttered  by  Wacousta,  was  repeated,  although  in  a  low  and  subdued  tone,  by 
•everat  of  the  Indians  who  .stood  on  the  brow  of  the  eminence.  Ponteac 
started  suddenly  to  the  same  point ;  but  Wacousta  continued  for  a  monreut  or 
two  rooted  to  the  spot  on  which  he  stood,  with  the  air  of  one  in  doubt  as  to 
what  course  he  should  pursue.  He  then  abruptly  raised  his  head,  tixeil  hia 
durk  and  menacing  eye  on  his  captive,  and  was  dreadj  in  the  act  of  approach- 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHEOT. 


139 


4n"-  lii'ii.  \rTion~the  GUrnt'st  nnd  rciicatcd  demands  for  his  presence,  by  the  Ot- 
tavsM  i'hwi'.  drew  hiiu  once  mure  to  the  outskirt  of  the  wood. 

Ajjiiin  Captain  de  llaldimar  breathed  fieel}-.  The  prcsenoo  of  that  fierce 
iniuAiad  been  a  ch)j^  upon  the  vital  functions  of  his  heart;  and  to  be  relieved 
from  it,  even  at  a  moment  like  tlie  present,  when  far  mo-e  important  interests 
iiii"-ht  be  supposeil  to  utrupy  his  mind,  was  a  <;iatiticat.ion,  ul  which  not  even 
the"  consciousness  of  iinpei-iihnji^  death  couhl  wholly  deprive  him.  From  the 
contii.iied  pressing;-  of  the  Indians  towards  one  pai'ticular  point  in  the  clearing 
he  now  coiijeetui-ed,  that,  from  that  point,  the  advance  of  the  troops  was  visi- 
ble. Anxious  to  obtain  even  a  momentary  view  of  those  whom  lie  deemed 
himself  fated  never  more  to  mingle  with  in  this  life,  he  raised  himself  upon  his 
feet,  and  stretched  his  neck  and  bent  his  eager  glance  in  the  direction  by 
which  Wacousta  had  approache<l ;  but,  so  closely  were  the  dark  warriois 
eruuped  among  the  trees,  he  found  it  im{)0ssible.  Once  or  twice,  however,  he 
tlio»i;;ht  he  could  distinguish  the  gleaming  of  the  English  bayonets  in  the 
brii;ht  sunshine,  as  they  seemed  to  tile  olf  in  a  parallel  line  with  the  ravine. 
Oh,  how  his  generous  heart  throbbed  at  that  moment ;  and  how  ardently  di<l 
he  wish  that  he  could  have  stood  in  the  position  of  the  meanest  soldier  in  those 
Mllaiit  ranks !  Perhaps  his  own  brave  and  devoted  grenadiers  were  of  the 
rniiil)er,  burning  with  enthusiasm  to  be  leif  against  the  captors  or  destroyers 
olthi-ir  officer ;  and  this  thought  added  to  his  wretchedness  still  more. 

Wliile  the  unfortunate  prisoner,  thus  strangely  excited,  bent  his  whole  soul 
on  the  scene  before  him,  he  fanctied  he  heard  the  approach  of  a  cautious  foot- 
I'.Up.  lie  turned  his  head  as  well  as  his  confmed  position  would  admit,  and 
ln'JK'ld,  close  behind  him,  a  dai'k  Indian,  whose  eyes  alone  were  vi.sibie  above 
ttu;  blanket  in  which  his  person  was  comj)letely  enveloped.  His  right  arm 
'  was  uplifted,  and  the  blade  of  a  scalping  knife  glittered  in  his  hand.  A  cohi 
shudder  ran  thiough  the  veins  of  the  young  officer,  nud  he  clo.sed  his  eycn 
thiit  he  might  not  see  the  blow  which  he  felt  was  about  to  be  directed  at  hip 
iK'.ut.  The  Indian  glanced  hurriedly  yet  cautiously  around,  to  see  if  he  wa" 
oliservcd  ;  and  then,  with  tl  ra]>idity  of  thought,  divided,  first  the  thongs, 
that  secui'ed  the  legs,  and  then  those  whitih  conlined  the  arms  of  the  delinvo- 
less  captive.  When  Captain  de  Haldimar.  full  of  astonishment  at  tindii>» 
himself  once  more  at  liberty,  again  unclosed  his  e\es,  they  fell  on  the  not  uii- 
luindsome  features  of  the  young  chief  the  brother  of  Oucanasta. 

"The  Saganawis  the  prisoner  of  Wacousta,"  said  the  Indian  hastily  ;  "and 
Wacousta  is  the  enemy  of  the  young  Ottawa  chief.  The  warriors  of  the  pal*», 
fi/'f'S  are  there"  (and  he  pointed  directly  before  him).  "If  the  Saganaw  has 
a  bold  heart  and  a  swift  foot  he  may  save  his  life  ;"  and,  with  this  intimatin. 
he  hurried  away  in  the  same  cautious  manner,  and  was  in  the  next  instant 
seen  makhig  a  circuit  to  arrive  at  the  point  at  which  the  principal  strength  o( 
the  Indians  was  collected. 

The  po.sition  of  Captain  de  llaldimar  had  now  attained  its  acme  of  interest; 
for  on  his  own  exertions  alone  depended  every  thing  that  remained  to  be  >w^ 
complished.  With  wonderful  presence  of  mind  he  surveyed  all  the  diflicult»»»H 
of  his  course,  while  he  availed  Limself  at  the  same  moment  of  whatever  advan- 
tages were  within  his  grasp.     On  the  approach  of  Wacousta,  the  yotu3g 


!3S 


ill 


m 
i 


iff-,  in 


140 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PEOPHECY. 


^  1 


i  1 


i 

Pi 


Indians,  to  whoso  cuRtody  he  had  hecn  committed,  had  returned  to  their  f.ost 
but  no  sooner  had  that  warrior,  o))eyiiif?  the  call  of  Ponteac.  a{ii;ain  dcpiirud 
than  they  once  more  flew  to  the  extreme  skirt  of  the  forest,  after  first  satisfv^ 
in}r  themselves  the  ligatures  which  confined  their  prisoner  were  secure.  Kith'or 
with  a  view  of  avoidinfr  tmnfi^'cs^arv  cucuni^riincc  in  their  fnurso.  or  through 
hurry  and  inadverloiice,  they  iiad  left  their  blankets  near  inc  lout  of  the  tree 
The  first  thought  of  the  officer  was  to  seize  one  of  these  ;  for  in  order  to  <iain 
the  point  whence  liis  filial  effort  to  join  the  detachment  must  he  made,  it  was 
neressary  he  should  pass  through  the  hody  of  scatteri'd  Indians  who  stood 
i 1. 1  mediately  in  his  way  ;  and  the  disguise  of  the  hiaiiket  could  alone  alJoni 
him  a  reasonahle  chance  of  moving  unnoticed  among  tliem.  Secretly  cm- 
gratulating  himself  on  the  insulting  mockery  that  had  inducted  his  upper  form 
in  the  disguising  war-paint  of  his  enemies,  he  now  drew  the  protecting  blankest 
close  up  to  liis  eyes ;  and  then,  with  every  nerve  braced  up,  every  fuciiltv 
of  mind  and  body  called  into  action,  commenced  his  dangerous  entejprise, 

lie  had  not,  however,  taken  more  than  two  or  three  steps  in  a<lvance,  when, 
to  his  great  di.scorafiture  and  alarm,  he  beheld  the  formidable  Wacousta  ap- 
proaching from  a  distance,  evidently  in  search  of  his  piisomr.  With  thu 
<liiickness  of  thought  he  determineii  on  his  course.  To  appear  to  avoid  him 
would  be  to  excite  the  suspicion  of  the  fierce  warrior;  and  desperate  as  the 
alternative  was,  he  resolved  to  move  undeviatingly  forward.  At  each  stop 
thut  drew  him  nearer  to  his  enemy,  the  beating  of  his  heart  became  moie 
violent ;  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  thick  coat  of  paint  in  which  he  was 
invested,  the  involuntary  contraction  of  the  muscles  of  his  face  must  inevitahly 
have  betrayed  him.  Nay,  even  as  it  was,  had  the  keen  eye  of  the  warrior 
fallen  on  him,  such  was  the  agitJition  of  the  officer,  he  felt  he  »uust  have  bet.n 
discovered.  Happily,  however,  Wacousta,  who  evidently  took  hi'n  for  .some 
inferior  warrior  hastening  to  the  point  where  his  fellows  were  alroady  assem- 
bled, passed  without  deigning  to  look  at  him,  and  so  close,  their  forms  almost 
touched.  Captain  de  Haldimar  now  quickend  his  pace.  It  was  evident  there 
was  no  time  to  be  lost  t  for  Wacousta,  on  finding  him  gone,  would  at  once 
^ive  the  alarm,  when  a  hundred  warriors  would  be  ready  on  tlie  instant  to 
intercept  his  flight.  Taking  the  precaution  to  disguise  his  walk  by  turning  in 
his  toes  after  the  Indian  manner,  he  reached,  with  a  beating  heart,  the  first 
of  the  numerous  warriors  who  were  collected  within  the  belt  of  forest,  anx- 
iously watching  the  movements  of  the  detachment  in  the  plain  below.  To  lii.s 
infinite  joy  he  found  that  each  was  too  much  intent  on  what  was  passing  in 
the  distance,  to  heed  any  Ihing  going  on  near  tliemselves  ;  and  when  he  at 
length  gained  the  extreme  opening,  and  stood  in  a  line  with  those  who  wero 
the  furthest  advanced,  without  having  excited  a  single  suspicion,  in  his  course, 
he  could  Stjarcely  believe  the  evidence  of  his  senses. 

Still  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  enterprise  remained  to  be  completed. 
Hitherto  he  had  moved  under  the  friendly  cover  of  the  underwood,  the  advan- 
tage of  which  had  been  to  couceal  that  part  of  his  regimental  trousers  which 
the  blanket  left  exposed  ;  and  if  he  moved  forward  into  the  clearing,  the  quick 
glapce  of  an  Indian  would  not  be  slow  in  detecting  the  difi'erence  between 
these  and  his  own  ruder  leggings.  There  was  no  alternative  now  but  to  com 
mence  his  flight  from  the  spot  on  which  he  stood ;  and  for  this  !<e  prepared 
himself.    At  one  rapid  and  compreheAsive  view  be  embraco^  the  immediate 


rncd  to  tlioir  fiost 
ic.  nf^aiii  (lepartwl, 

after  Hrst  satisfy! 
L'l-e  securo.  Either 
'oiM-so.  or  throngii 
If  lout  of  the  tree 
)r.  in  onkr  to  gain 
St  be  mude,  it  was 
iKiiiuis  who  stood 
:oul(J  alone  aifoitl 
'HI.  Secretly  oon- 
ted  his  upper  form 
protecting  bl.inkut 

up,  every  facnlty 
jrerous  enteiprist'. 

in  advance,  when, 
Me  Wacousta  ap- 
-ioner.  With  the 
•ear  to  avoid  him 

desperate  as  tho 

d.  At  each  stop 
art  became  nioie 

in  which  he  was 
;e  must  inevitahly 
ye  of  the  warrior 
^  »nust  have  hci'n 
ok  iii'n  for  some 
■e  ahvady  asseiii- 
leir  forms  ahnost 
was  evident  thero 

e,  would  at  ouch 
n  the  instant  to 
alk  by  turning  in 
?  heart,  tlie  first 
It  of  forest,  aiix- 
1  below.  To  lii.s 
.  was  passiiij:  in 
and  when   he  at 

those  who  were 
an,  in  his  course, 

to  be  completed, 
vood,  the  advan- 
trousers  which 
aring,  the  quick 
erence  between 
low  but  to  com 
lis  l.<5  prepared 
the  immediate 


WACOUSTA,  OB,  TUE  PROPHECY. 


Ul 


localities  before  him.  On  the  other  side  of  the  ravine  he  could  now  distinctly 
see  the  Enj^lish  troops,  either  planing,  as  he  coi  'jeivetl,  their  own  attack,  or 
•jrniting  ii»  the  hope  of  drawing  the  Indians  from  .'leir  cover.  It  was  evident 
that  to  reach  them  the  ravine  must  be  cro.ssed  unless  the  more  circuitous 
route  hy  the  bridge,  rthich  was  hid  from  his  view  by  an  intervening  hilhM-k, 
should  be  preferred  ;  but  as  the  former  had  been  cleared  by  Wacousta  in  hi«i 
tsceiit.  !iud  was  the  nearest  |)oint  by  which  the  detachment  could  be  up- 
{)roa('he<l,  to  this  di<l  he  now  direct  his  undivide<i  attention. 

While  he  yet  paused  with  indecisi(m.  at  one  moment  fancying  th«  time  fo»  | 
it«rting  wus  not  yet  arrived,  and  at  the  next  that  he  had  C'Sti'ryd  it  tt.  pa>H 
may.  the  ()Owerful  and  threatening  voice  of  Wacousta  wa.s  heard  proclaiming; 
the  escaj)e  of  his  captive.  Low  but  expressive  exclamations  from  the  warriorg 
marked  their  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  intelligence ;  and  many  of  then 
hastily  dispersed  themselves  in  pursuit.  This  was  the  critical  moment  for 
action;  for,  as  the  ar.xious  officer  had  rather  wished  than  expected,  those  In- 
dians who  had  been  immediately  in  front,  and  whose  proximity  he  moi4 
dreaded,  were  among  the  number  of  those  who  dashed  into  the  heart  of  the 
forest.  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  now  stood  alone,  and  full  twenty  paces  in  fr<mt 
of  the  nearest  of  tlie  savages.  For  a  moment  he  played  with  his  mocassinisd 
foot,  to  satisfy  himself  of  the  power  and  liexibility  of  its  muscles,  and  then 
committing  himself  to  his  God,  da'^lAcd  the  blanket  suddenly  from  his  shoul- 
ders, and,  with  eyean<l  heart  fixed  on  the  distant  soldiery,  darted  down  tho 
declivity  with  a  speed  of  which  he  had  never  yet  believed  himself  capable. 
Scai'cely,  however,  had  his  fleeing  form  appeared  in  the  opening,  when  a  tre- 
mendous and  deafening  yell  rent  the  air,  and  a  dozen  wild  and  naked  warrioni 
followed  instantly  in  pursuit.  Attracted  by  that  yell,  the  terrible  Wacousta, 
who  had  been  seeking  his  victim  in  a  different  quarter,  bounded  forward  to 
the  front,  with  an  eye  flashing  fire,  and  a  brow  compressed  into  the  fiercest 
hate ;  and  so  stupendous  were  his  efforts,  so  extraordinary  was  his  speed, 
that  had  it  not  been  for  the  young  Ottawa  chief,  who  was  one  of  the  pursuing 
party,  and  who,  under  the  pretence  of  assisting  in  the  recapture  of  the  prison- 
er, sought  every  opportunity  of  throwing  himself  before,  and  embarra.ssing 
the  movements  of  his  enemy,  it  is  highly  probable  the  latter  would  have  .sue- 
Reeded.  Despite  of  these,  obstacles,  however,  the  fierce  Wacousta,  who  had 
been  the  last  to  follow,  soon  left  the  foremost  of  his  companions  far  behind 
him  ;  and  but  for  his  sudden  fall,  while  in  the  veiy  act  of  .seizing  the  arm  of 
his  prisoner,  his  gigantic  efforts  must  have  been  crowned  wit*-  «ne  fullest  suc- 
cess. But  the  reader  has  already  seen  how  miraculously  Captain  de  Ilaldimar, 
reduced  to  the  last  stage  of  debility,  as  much  from  inanition  as  from  the  un- 
natural efforts  of  his  flight,  finally  accomplished  his  returu  to  the  detachmeuL 


Sk 


,K- 


^1: 


Ufl 


WACOUSTA«  OB,  TH£  P««PB£«T. 


4 


1 

3. 

J 

Mj 

!■ 

I 

■ 

^H 

i 

1 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

At  the  western  extremity  of  the  lake  Huron,  and  almost  washed  by  the  wntcrj 
of  that  pigmy  ocean,  stands  the  fort  of  Michillimackinac.  Constructed  on  a 
smaller  scale,  and  garrisoned  by  a  less  numerical  force,  the  defcjices  of  this  post, 
although  loss  formidable  than  those  of  the  Detroit,  were  nearly  '<iniiliir.  at  tha 
period  embraced  by  our  story,  both  in  matter  and  in  manner,  rnlikc  the 
latter  fortress,  however,  it  boasted  none  of  the  advantages  aironled  hy  cul- 
ture; neither,  indeed,  was  there  a  sinn;le  spot  in  the  immediate  vicinity  that 
was  not  clad  in  the  eternal  forest  of  these  regions.  It  is  true,  that  art  and 
laborious  exertion  had  so  far  supplied  the  deliciencies  of  natiiie  as  to  isolate 
the  fort,  and  throw  it  under  the  protecting  sweep  of  its  cannon ;  but.  while 
this  afforded  security,  it  failed  to  produce  any  thing  like  a  pleasing  elUi  t  to 
the  eye.  The  very  site  on  which  the  fortress  now  stood  had  at  one  pcriotl 
been  a  portion  of  the  wilderness  that  every  where  around  was  (»nly  tcitn inn- 
ted  by  the  .sands  on  the  lake  shore:  and.  although  time  and  the  axe  of  the 
pioneer  had  in  some  degree  changed  its  features,  still  there  was  no  trace  of 
that  blended  natural  scenery  that  so  pleasingly  diversified  the  vicinity  oC  the 
Bister  fort.  Here  and  there,  along  the  imperfect  clearing,  and  avnid  the  dtirk 
and  thickly  studded  stumps  of  the  felled  trees,  vk'liich  in  themselves  weie  siif- 
ficient  to  give  the  most  lugubrious  character  to  the  scene,  rose  the  rude  log 
cabin  of  the  settler ;  but,  beyond  this,  cultivation  appeared  to  have  lost  her 
power  in  proportion  with  the  difficulties  she  ban  to  encounter.  F^en  tin;  two 
Indian  villages,  L'Arbre-Croche  and  CUaboiiga,  situnte  about  a  mile  tViiiu  the 
fort,  w\th  which  they  formed  nearly  an  e(|uilateral  triangle,  were  hid  from 
the  view  of  the  garrison  by  the  dark  dense  forest,  in  the  heart  of  which  thej 
were  embedded. 

Lakeward  the  view  was  scarcely  less  monotonous ;  but  it  was  not,  as  in  the 
rear,  that  monotony  which  is  never  occasional!}'  broken  in  upon  by  some  oc- 
currence of  interest.  If  the  eye  gazed  long  and  anxiously  for  the  white  sail 
of  the  well  known  armed  vessel,  charged  at  stated  intervals  with  letteis  and 
tidings  of  those  whom  time,  and  distance,  md  danger,  far  from  estraiging, 
rendered  more  dear  to  the  memory,  and  bound  more  closely  to  the  heart,  it 
was  sure  of  being  rewarded  at  last ;  and  then  there  was  no  pictur<!  on  \\'hich 
it  could  love  to  linger  so  well  as  that  of  the  silver  waves  bearing  that  valued 
vessel  in  safety  to  its  wonted  anchorage  in  the  offing.  Moreover,  the  light 
swift  bark  canoes  of  the  natives  oflen  danced  joyously  on  its  surface ;  and 
while  the  sight  was  offended  at  the  savage,  skulking  among  the  trees  of  tlie 
forest,  like  some  dark  spirit  moving  cautiously  in  its  course  of  .secret  destruc- 
tion, and  watching  the  moment  when  he  might  pounce  unnoticed  upon  his 
unprepared  victim,  it  followed,  with  momentary  pleasure  and  excitement,  the 
activity  and  skill  displayed  by  the  harmless  paddler,  in  the  swift  and  nicteor- 
like  race  that  set  the  troubled  surface  of  the  Huron  in  a  sheet  of  hissing  Ibaiu. 
Nor  was  this  all.  When  the  eye  turned  wood-ward,  it  fell  heavily,  and  with- 
out interest,  upon  a  dim  and  dusky  point,  known  to  enter  upon  savage  .scenes 
and  unexplored  countries ;  whereas,  whenever  it  reposed  upon  the  lake,  it  was 
with  an  ea,geniess  and  energy  that  embraced  the  most  vivid  recollections  of 


<ho(l  by  the  waters 
(Jonstnicted  on  « 
rcnccs  of  tliis  post, 
rly  "^iiniliir.  at  the 
iiitT.  Unlike  Ihe 
?  Jitronlod  hy  ciil- 
liate  vicinity  that 
:rne,  that  art  and 
laturc  us  to  isolate 
annon ;  hut.  wliile 
plt'asin;j;  elt'oct  to 
ia<l  at  one  ]H'rio(l 
was  only  tcnniu!!- 
id  the  axe  of  the 
;  was  no  trace  of 
the  vk'inity  of  the 
mfl  amid  the  dark 
L'mselves  wi.'ie  sut- 
I  rose  the  rink'  log 
1  to  have  lost  her 
er.  Fven  the  two 
ut  a  mile  tri>in  the 
le,  were  hid  from 
;art  of  which  thej 

;  was  not.  as  in  the 
Tipon  by  some  oc- 
for  the  white  sail 
s  with  letters  and 

from 

y  to 

picture  on  which 

earing  that  valued 

oreovcr,  the  lij^ht 

its  surface;  and 
g  the  trees  of  the 
of  secret  destruc- 
nnoticed  upon  his 
id  excitement,  the 
swift  and  mctcor- 
et  of  hissing  I'oajn. 
heavily,  and  with- 
ipon  savage  scenes 
on  the  hike,  it  was 
id  recollections  of 


estrai.fjing, 
the  heart.it 


VFACOVSTA,  oh,  Tl'E  PROriUEWT. 


143 


the  past,  and  led  the  imagination  buoyantly  over  every  well-remembered  scene 
that  had  previously  been  traversed,  and  which  must  be  traversed  again  before 
i»ie  land  of  the  European  could  be  pressed  once  more.  The  forest,  in  a  word, 
formed,  as  it  were,  the  gloomy  and  impenetrable  walls  of  the  prison-house, 
and  the  bright  lake  that  lay  before  it  the  only  portal  through  which  happiness 
find  liberty  could  bo  again  secured. 

The  principal  entrance  into  the  fort,  which  presented  four  equal  sides  of  a 
square,  was  from  the  forest ;  but  immediately  opposite  to  this,  ant*  behind  the 
ipartincnts  of  the  coniniaiiding  officer,  there  was  another  small  gale  that 
opened  upon  the  lake  shore  ;  but  which,  since  the  investment  of  the  place, 
heen  kept  bolted  and  locked,  with  a  precaution  befitting  the  danger  to 


lia( 


which  the  garrison  was  exjiosed.  Still,  there  were  periods,  even  now,  when  itH 
sullen  hinges  were  to  be  heard  moaning  on  the  midnight  breeze  ;  foi  it  served 
as  a  medium  of  communication  between  the  besieged  and  others  wl»u  were  no 
le.ss  critically  circumstanced  than  themselves. 

The  very  day  before  the  Indians  commenced  their  simultaneous  attack  on 
the  several  posts  of  the  English,  the  only  armed  vessel  that  had  been  con- 
Btructed  on  these  upper  lakes,  serving  chiefly  as  a  medium  of  communication 
between  Detroit  and  Michillimackinac,  had  arrived  with  despatches  and  lettei-s 
from  the  former  fort.  A  well-concerted  plan  of  the  savages  to  seize  her  iu 
her  passage  through  the  narraw  waters  of  the  river  Sinclair  had  only  been 
defeated  by  the  vigilance  of  her  comniiinder  ;  but  ever  since  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war,  she  had  been  imprisoned  within  tlie  limits  of  the  Huron.  Labori- 
ous indeed  was  the  duty  of  the  devoted  crew.  Several  attempts  had  been 
renewed  by  the  Indians  to  surprise  them ;  but,  although  their  little  fleets 
stole  cautiously  and  noiselessly,  at  the  sdl  hour  of  midnight,  to  the  spot 
where,  at  the  last  expiring  rays  of  twilight,  they  had  beheld  her  carelessly 
anchored,  and  apparently  lulled  into  security,  the  subject  of  their  search  was 
ne^^r  to  be  met  with.  No  sooner  were  obje<  :s  on  the  shore  rendered  indis- 
tinct to  the  eye,  than  the  anchor  was  silently  weighed,  and,  ghding  wherever 
the  breeze  might  choose  to  carry  her,  the  light  bark  was  luade  to  traverse  the 
lake,  with  every  sail  set,  until  dawn.  None,  h)wever.  were  suffered  to  slum- 
ber in  the  presumed  security  alibrded  by  this  judicious  flight.  Every  man 
was  at  his  cost :  and.  while  a  silence  so  prof  }und  was  pveservod  iliat  tlw 
noise  ot  a  tailing  pm  might  have  been  heard  upon  her  ;cks,  evei'y  thing  was 
in  readiness  to  repel  an  attack  of  their  enemies,  shoulc  the  vessel,  iu  her 
cou'r.se  come  accidentally  in  collision  with  their  pigmy  flee's.  When  morning 
broke,  and  no  sign  of  theii  treacherous  foes  was  visible,  t'lo  vessel  was  again 
anchored,  and  the  majority  of  the  crew  sullcred  to  retire  to  their  hammocks, 
while  the  few  whose  turn  of  duty  it  chanced  to  be,  kept  a  vigilant  look-out, 
that,  on  the  slightest  appearance  of  alarm,  their  slumbering  comrades  might 
again  be  aroused  to  energy  and  action. 

Severe  and  hariussing  as  had  been  the  duty  on  board  this  vessel  for  many 
months,- -at  one  moment  exposed  to  the  a.ssaults  of  savages,  at  another  as- 
sailed by  hurricanes  that  are  so  prevalent  and  so  dangerous  on  the  American 
lakes, — the  situation  of  the  crew  was  even  less  enviable  than  that  of  the  gar- 
rison itself.  What  chiefly  contributed  to  their  disquietude,  was  the  dreadful 
consciousness  that,  however  their  present  efforts  might  secure  a  temporary 
safetj,  the  period  of  their  fall  was  only  protracted.    A  few  mouths  moro 


r 


I, 


'£« 


liH 


c 


-i 


( 


ill! 


144 


WACOUiTA,  OB,  THE  FROPHICY. 


rauiit  bring  with  tlicin  all  tlio  hcvci  Ity  of  the  winter  of  those  climes,  and  then, 
blocked  up  in  a  sea  of  ifc, — cxposutl  to  all  the  ri;;()r  of  cold, — all  the  mist'iios 
of  hun}j;er. — wliat  ellectnal  resistance  could  thiy  oppose  to  the  nuuKroiiH 
bands  of  Indians  wiio.  avuilinj;  themselves  of  the  defenceless  position  of  ihuir 
Ricoinies,  would  rush  from  every  <|uartcr  to  iheir  destruction. 

At  the  outset  of  these  disheaiteniu;;  circiitustaiK  es,  the  officer  had  sinn- 
noncd  his  faithful  crew  ti»(;ether.  and  pouitinir  out  the  danf^i-r  anil  iniceitiudty 
of  their  position,  stated  that  two  chances  ol  escaju'  still  icniained  to  tlnui. 
The  first  was  by  an  attempt  to  accomplish  the  passaf:e  of  the  river  Sni«  Imr 
during  some  dark  and  hoisteious  ni^ht,  when  the  Indians  would  be  Kswi 
likely  to  suspect  such  an  mtentiou:  it  wsis  at  this  poiut  that  the  elloiis  nf 
their  enemies  were  prmcipally  to  he  apprehended  ;  hut  it,  under  cover  m' 
■torra  and  darkness,  they  could  uccomplisli  this  dillii-ult  j)assage,  they  wouiil 
easily  gain  the  Detroit,  and  thence  puss  into  Lake  LIrie.  at  the  further  ex- 
tremity of  which  they  might,  favored  by  Providence,  ctlect  a  landing,  and 
penetrate  to  tiie  iidiabited  parts  of  the  colony  of  New  York.  Tlie  other  al- 
ternative was, — and  he  left  it  to  themselves  to  deter mine^ — 1«»  sink  the  vessel 
on  the  approach  of  winter,  ahd  throw  themselves  into  tho  fort  before  theu>, 
there  to  await  and  share  the  destiny  of  its  gallant  defenders. 

With  the  generous  enthusiasm  of  their  profession,  ti>e  noble  fellows  had 
determined  on  tho  latter  course.  With  their  officer  they  fully  coincided  in 
opinion,  that  their  ultimate  hopes  of  life  depended  on  the  safe  passage  of  tho 
Sinclair;  for  it  was  but  tco  obvious,  that  soon  or  late,  unless  some  very  ex- 
traordinary revolution  should  be  etiected  in  the  intentions  of  the  Indians,  tlio 
fortress  must  bo  starved  into  submission.  Still,  as  it  was  tolerably  well  sup- 
plied with  provisions,  this  gloomy  prospect  was  remote,  and  they  were  williiiu 
to  run  all  chances  with  their  friends  on  shore,  rather  than  desert  them  in  tlnir 
extremity.  The  determination  expressed  by  them,  therefore,  was  that  when 
they  could  no  longer  keep  tho  lake  in  safety,  tliey  would,  if  the  officer  per- 
mitted it,  scuttle  the  ve.sse',  and  attempt  an  entrance  into  the  fort,  where  thev 
would  share  the  fate  of  *he  troops,  whatever  it  might  chance  to  be. 

No  sooner  was  this  ro.solution  made  known,  than  their  young  commander 
nought  an  opportunity  of  connnunicating  wit!i  the  garrison.  This,  however, 
was  no  very  easy  task  ;  for,  .so  closely  was  the  fort  hemmed  in  by  the  savavvs. 
it  was  im5jos.s>hje  to  mtroduce  a  messenger  within  its  walls  ;  and  so  sudiicn 
had  been  the  cutting  otf  of  all  conununication  between  the  vessel  and  iht' 
shore,  that  the  thought  had  not  even  occurred  to  either  commandei-  to  esial>- 
lish  tne  most  ordinary  intelligence  by  signal.  In  this  dilemma,  recourse  \mi>! 
had  to  an  ingenious  expedient.  The  despatches  of  the  olficer  were  enclose  I 
in  one  of  the  long  tin  tubes  in  which  were  generally  deposited  the  maps  nu^ 
charts  of  the  schooner,  and  to  this,  after  having  been  carefully  soldered,  wan 
attached  an  inch  rope  of  several  hundred  fatlioms  in  length:  the  case  win 
then  put  into  one  of  the  sh'p's  guns,  so  placed  .is  to  give  it  the  elevation  of  a 
morvAr;  thus  prepared,  advantage  was  taken  of  a  temporary  absence  of  thi 
Indiaas  to  bring  the  vessel  within  half  a  mile  of  the  shore,  and  when  the  at- 
tention of  the  garrison,  naturally  attracted  by  this  unusual  movement,  was 
sufficiently  awakened,  that  opportimity  was  chosen  for  the  discharge  of  the 
eun ;  and  as  the  quantity  of  powder  had  been  proportionably  reduced  for  the 
Omited  range,  the  tiOt>e  was  soon  safely  deposited  within  the  rampart.    The 


MACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


115 


lamn  meixns  Wi-rc  fKlopu-d  in  t^plvinp;  and  ono  end  of  tho  rope  remnminK 
attacheil  to  the  stliooiicr.  all  tin  t  was  necfssury  wu.s  to  solder  up  the  tultc  uM 
before,  and  throw  it  over  the  rii.upiirtM  upon  the  sands,  whence  it  wuH  iniiuo- 
tiiitely  pulled  over  her  side  l»y  .lie  wat(  hl'ul  mariners. 

As  the  (Icsputel.  e<inveyed  to  Mie  jiarrison,  ninon<;  other  subjects  of  interest, 
bore  the  unwelcome  intelli<:;enci  that  the  supplies  of  tlie  crew  were  nearly  ex- 
pended, an  arrani^enient  was  pDposed  hy  which,  at  statetl  intervals,  a  more 
immediate  comnnuiication  with  the  former  mi^ht  he  etlected.  Whenever, 
therefore,  the  wind  permitted,  tl  e  vessel  was  kept  hoverinj;  in  sight  duriiiu'  the 
(lay.  beneath  tho  eyes  of  the  s;  vapes,  and  on  the  aj)pn>ach  of  evening  an  un 
shotted  pun  was  discharped.  wIMi  a  view  of  drawinp  tlieir  attention  more  im- 
mediately to  her  movements;  vers  sail  was  then  set,  and  under  a  cloud  of 
canvass  the  course  of  the  schoorer  was  directed  towanls  the  source  of  the  Sin- 
clair, as  if  an  attempt  to  accon):)lish  that  passapc  was  to  be  made  duriiiir  tl\e 
nipiit.  No  sooner,  however  liad  the  darkness  fairly  set  in,  than  the  vessel  was 
put  about,  and,  beatinp  apainst  the  wind,  penerally  contrived  to  reach  the  oU- 
mg  at  a  stated  hour,  when  a  be  it,  provided  with  mullled  oars,  was  sent  oil'  to 
the  shore.  This  ruse  had  sevi  ral  times  deceived  the  Indians,  and  it  was  on 
these  occasions  that  the  small  |;.itc  to  which  wo  have  alluded  was  opened,  for 
the  purpose  of  convcyinp  the  n(>;essary  supplies. 

The  buildings  of  the  fort  coi  si«tod  chietiy  of  block-houses,  the  internal  ac- 
counnodations  of  which  were  fi'lly  in  keepinp  with  their  rude  exterior,  being 
but  inditlerently  provided  with  the  most  ordin-  y  articles  of  comfort,  and  tit- 
ted  up  as  the  limited  resources  of  that  wild  and  remote  district  could  supply. 
The  best  and  most  agreeably  si'.uated  of  these,  if  a  choice  could  be  made,  was 
that  of  the  commanding  olHce!-.  This  building  rose  considerably  above  tlie 
others,  and  overhanging  that  p  irt  of  tho  rampart  which  skirted  the  shores  of 
the  Huron,  connnanded  a  full  view  of  the  lake,  even  to  its  extremity  of  frown- 
ing and  belting  forest. 

To  this  block-ho<isc  there  w(  re  two  staircases  ;  the  principal  leading  to  tlic 
front  entrance  from  the  barraok-scpiare,  the  other  opening  in  the  rear,  close 
under  the  rampart,  and  communicating  by  a  few  rude  steps  with  the  small 
gate  that  led  upon  the  sands,  in  the  lower  part  of  this  building,  approj)riated 
by  the  commanding  oiHccr  to  taat  exclusive  purpose,  the  official  duties  of  hia 
situation  were  usually  perform  jd  ;  and  on  the  ground-tioor  a  large  room,  that 
extended  from  front  to  rear  of  i  he  block-house  on  one  side  of  the  passage,  had 
ibrmerly  been  used  as  a  hail  of  council  with  the  Indian  chiefs.  The  tlooi-  above 
this  comprised  both  his  own  private  apartments  and  those  set  apart  foi'  the 
general  use  of  the  family  ;  but,  above  all,  and  preferable  from  their  cheerful 
view  over  the  lake,  were  others,  which  had  been  reserved  for  the  exclusive  ac- 
conunodation  of  Miss  de  Ilaldimar.  The  upper  floor  consisted  of  two  sleeping 
apartments,  with  a  sitting-room,  the  latter  extending  the  whole  length  of  the 
block-house,  and  opening  imm  >diately  upon  the  lake  from  the  only  two  win- 
dows with  which  that  side  of  tl«j  building  was  provided.  The  principal  stair- 
case led  into  one  of  the  bed-roons,  and  both  o*"  the  latter  communicated  imme- 
diately with  the  sitting  room,  which  again,  in  its  turn,  opened,  at  the  opposite 
eitremity  on  the  narrow  staiivase  that  led  to  the  rear  of  the  block-house. 

The  fumiture  of  the  apart*  ent,  which  might  be  taken  as  a  fair  sample  of 
the  best  the  country  could  uHord.  was  wildj  ^et  simple,  in  the  extreme.    Neat 


IP 


■%  1*1 


■  n 


:i 


IH 


I 


I 


i 


W  li* 


I^g  WACt  JSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECT. 

njsh  mats,  of  an  oblong  square.  atkT  fkntaslically  put  togeU)cr,  so  as  lo  exLibit 
in  the  weaving  of  the  seveia*  coIoro«l  reeds  both  figures  that  were  known  to 
txist  in  the  creation,  anu  tho«e  which  conld  have  no  beii  i  sa  re  in  the  imag* 
;^ation  ot  their  framera,  .served  sn^  excellent  substitutes  for  "carpets,  while  rush 
bottomed  chairs,  the  product  of  Indian  ingenuity  a4so,  occupied  those  intervals 
around  the  room  that  were  unsnpplied  by  the  matting.  Upon  the  walls  were 
iumg  numerous  specimens  *'  th  of  the  dress  and  of  the  equipments  of  the 
savages,  and  mingled  wi'  L  these  were  many  natural  curiosities,  the  gifts  of  In- 
dian chiefs  to  the  commaidant  at  various  times  before  the  war. 

Nothing  could  be  more  unlike  the  embellLshinents  of  a  modem  European 
boudoir  than  those  oi  Uiis  apartment,  which  had,  in  some  degree,  been  made  the 
tiunctum  of  its  present  occupants.  Here  was  to  be  seen  the  scaly  carcase  of 
some  huge  serpent,  extending  its  now  harmless  length  from  the  ceihng  to  the 
lloor — there  an  alligator,  stuffed  after  the  same  fashion ;  and  in  various  direc- 
tions the  slcins  of  the  beaver,  the  marten,  the  otter,  and  an  infinitude  of  others 
of  that  genus,  filled  up  spaces  that  were  left  unsupplied  by  the  more  ingenious 
specimens  of  Indian  art.  Head  dresses  tastefully  wrought  in  the  shape  of  the 
crowning  bays  of  the  ancient  ^.  and  composed  of  the  gorgeous  feathers  of  the 
most  splendid  of  the  ft. rest  '.irds — bows  and  quivers,  handsomely  and  even 
elegantly  ornamented  witii  tciat  ino' .  tasteful  of  Indian  decorations,  the  stained 
(jaill  of  the  porcupine ;  war  "lubs  of  massive  iron  wood,  their  handles  covered 
with  stained  horse-hair  and  .oathors,  curi''.usly  mingled  together — machecotis, 
hunting  coats,  mocassins,  and  ie^irgings.  all  worked  in  porcupine  quill,  and  fan- 
cifully arranged, — these,  with  many  others,  had  been  called  into  requisition  to 
bedeck  and  relieve  the  otherwise  rude  and  naked  walls  of  the  apartment. 

Nor  did  the  walls  alone  reflect  back  the  picture  of  savage  ingenuity,  for  on 
the  various  tables,  the  rude  polish  of  which  was  hid  from  view  by  the  simple 
covering  of  green  baize,  which  moreover  constituted  the  garniture  of  the  win- 
do  ws_  were  to  be  seen  other  products  of  their  art.  Here  stood  upon  an  ele- 
vated stand  a  model  of  a  bark  canoe,  filled  with  its  complement  of  paddlers 
carved  in  wood  and  dressed  in  full  costume ;  the  latter  executed  with  such 
singular  fidelity  of  feature,  that  although  the  speaking  figures  sprung  not  from 
the  experienced  and  classic  chisel  of  the  sculptor,  but  from  the  rude  scalping 
knife  of  the  savage,  the  very  tribe  to  which  they  belonged  could  be  discovered 
at  a  glance  by  the  European  who  was  conversant  with  the  features  of  each : 
then  there  were  handsomely  ornamented  vessels  made  of  the  birch  bark,  and 
filled  with  the  delicate  sugars  which  the  natives  extract  from  the  maple  tree 
in  early  spring ;  these  of  all  sizes,  even  to  the  most  tiny  that  could  well  bo 
imagined,  were  valuable  rather  as  exquisite  specimens  of  the  neatnesti  with 
which  those  slight  vessels  could  be  put  together,  sewn  as  they  were  merely 
with  strips  of  the  same  bark,  than  from  any  intrinsic  value  they  possessed. 
Coveied  over  with  fantastic  figures,  done  either  in  paint,  or  in  quill  work  art- 
fully interwoven  into  the  fibies  of  the  bark,  they  presented,  in  their  smooth 
and  polished  surface,  strong  evidence  of  the  address  of  the  savages  in  their  pre- 
paration of  this  most  useful  and  abundant  produce  of  the  country.  Inter- 
spersed with  these,  too,  were  numerous  stands  filled  with  stuffed  birds,  some 
of  which  comb;aed  in  themselves  every  variety  and  shade  of  dazzling  plumage ; 
and  numerous  rude  cases  contained  the  rarest  specimens  of  the  American  but- 
terfly, most  of  which  were  of  sizes  and  tints  that  are  no  where  e<^ualled  ip 


WAC0¥3TA,  OR,  THS  PROPHEOT. 


U1 


Europe.  One  solitary  table  alone  was  appropriated  to  whatever  wore  a  trans- 
atlantic character  in  this  wild  and  museum-like  apartment.  On  this  lay  a 
Spanish  guitar,  a  few  pieces  of  old  music,  a  collection  of  English  and  French 
l)Ooks,  a  couple  of  writing  desks,  and  scattered  over  the  whole,  several  article«» 
of  unfinished  needle- work. 

Such  was  the  apartment  in  which  Madeline  and  Clara  de  Ilaldimar  were 
met  at  the  moment  we  have  selected  for  their  introduction  to  our  readers.  It 
was  the  morning  of  that  day  on  which  the  second  council  of  the  chiefs  the 
result  of  which  has  already  been  seen,  was  held  at  Detroit.  The  sun  had 
risen  uright  and  gorgcousJy  above  the  adjacent  forest,  throwing  his  golden 
beaiLS  upon  the  calm  glassy  waters  of  the  lake;  and  now,  approaching  r»- 
pidlv  towards  the  meridian,  gi'aduallv  diminished  the  tall  bold  shadows  oi 
the  block-houses  upon  the  shore.  At  the  distance  of  about  a  mile  lay  th« 
wmed  vessel  so  often  alluded  to ;  her  light  low  hull  dimly  seen  in  the  hazy 
atmosphere  that  danced  upon  the  \yaters,  and  her  attenuated  masts  and  slo))- 
ing  yards,  with  their  slight  tracery  cordage,  recalling  rather  tiie  complex  and 
delicate  ramifications  cf  the  spider's  web,  than  the  elastic  yet  solid  machinery 
to  which  the  lives  of  those  within  had  so  often  been  committed  in  sea  and 
tempest.  Upon  the  strand,  and  close  opposite  to  the  small  gate  which  now 
stood  ajar,  lay  one  of  her  boats,  the  ciew  of  which  had  abandoned  her  with 
the  excei^ion  only  of  a  single  individual,  apparenily  her  cockswain,  who,  with 
the  tiller  under  his  arm,  lay  half  extended  in  the  sicrn  sheets,  his  uaked  chest 
exposed,  and  his  tarpaulin  hat  shielding  his  eyes  from  the  sun  while  he  indulg- 
ed in  profound  repose.  These  were  the  only  objects  that  told  of  human  life. 
Every  where  beyond  the  eye  rested  on  the  faint  outline  of  forest,  that  appear- 
ed like  the  softened  tracing  of  a  pencil  at  the  distant  junction  of  the  waters 
with  the  horizon. 

The  windows  that  commanded  this  prospect  were  now  open  ;  and  through 
^hat  which  was  nearest  to  the  gate,  half  reclined  the  elegant,  slight  form  of  a 
female,  who,  with  an  open  letter  in  her  hand,  glanced  her  eye  alternately,  and 
with  an  expression  of  joyousness,  towards  the  vessel  that  lay  beyond  and  tlie 
point  in  which  the  source  of  the  Sinclair  was  known  to  lie.  It  was  Clara  de 
Uaklimar. 

Presently  the  vacant  space  at  the  same  window  was  filled  by  another  form 
but  of  less  girlish  appearance — one  that  embraced  all  the  full  rich  contour  o» 
the  Medicean  Venus,  and  a  lazy  languor  in  its  movements  that  harmonised  with 
ihe  speaking  outlines  of  the  form,  and  without  which  the  beauty  of  the  whole 
would  have  been  at  variance  and  imperfect.  The  general  expression  more- 
over, of  a  countenance  which,  closely  analysed,  could  not  not  be  termed  beau- 
ful,  marked  a  mind  at  once  ardent  in  its  conceptions,  and  steady  and  resolute 
in  its  silent  accomplishments  of  purpose.    She  was  of  the  middle  height. 

Such  was  the  person  of  Madeline  de  Haldiniar ;  but  attractive,  or  rather 
winning,  as  were  her  womanly  attributes,  her  principal  power  lay  in  her  voice, 
—the  beauty,  nay  voluptuousness  of  which  nothing  could  surpass.  It  was 
impossible  to  listen  to  the  slow,  full,  rich,  deep,  and  melodious  tones  that  fell 
trembling  from  her  lips  upon  the  ear,  and  not  feel,  aye  shudder,  under  all 
their  fascination  on  the  soul.  In  such  a  voice  might  the  Madonna  of  Raphael 
have  been  supposed  to  of!er  up  her  supplications  from  the  gloomy  precincts  of 
tjje  cloister.    No  wonder  that  Fredericlv  de  Haldimar  loved  her.  and  loved 


;l 


:P 


'.r 


'MHt 


148 


WAGOUITA,  OB,  TBS  PSOPflKGT. 


I 
[ 


■Iril! 


her  with  all  the  intense  devote dness  of  hi ;  own  glowing  heart.  His  cousin 
was  to  him  a  divinity  whom  he  worshippc!  in  the  innermost  recesses  of  his 
being;  and  his,  in  return,  was  the  only  ei.r  in  which  the  accents  of  that  al- 
most superhuman  voice  had  breathed  the  thrilling  confession  of  an  attacli- 
ment,  which  its  very  tones  announced  woi:!d  be  deep  and  imperishable  as  the 
soul  in  which  it  had  taken  root.  Often  in  'he  hours  that  preceded  the  period 
when  they  were  to  kave  been  united,  hef  ,t  and  mind  and  thought,  in  one 
common  destiny,  would  he  start  from  her  side,  his  brain  whirling  with  very 
MiLoxication,  and  then  obeying  another  wiM  impulse,  rush  once  more  into  hor 
embrace  ;  and  clasping  his  beloved  Madelir.o  to  his  heart,  entreat  her  again  to 
pour  forth  all  the  melody  of  that  confession  in  his  enraptured  ear.  Artless 
and  unaHeoted  as  she  was  generous  and  in' passioned,  the  fond  and  noble  girl 
never  hesitated  to  gratify  him  whom  alone  she  loved  ;  and  deep  and  fervent 
was  the  joy  of  the  soldier,  when  he  found  that  each  passionate  entreaty,  far 
from  being  met  with  caprice,  only  drew  fix»m  the  lips  of  his  cousin  warmer 
and  more  affectionate  expressions  of  her  attachment.  Such  expressions,  com- 
ing from  any  woman,  must  have  been  rnptrrous  and  soothing  in  the  extreme; 
but,  when  they  flowed  from  a  voice  whose  very  sound  was  melody,  they  acted 
OL  the  heart  of  Captain  de  Haldimar  with  a  potency  that  was  as  irresistibU 
IS  the  love  itself  which  she  inspired. 

vSuch  wai  *h{i  ])Osition  '^f  things  just  before  the  commencement  of  the  In 
liaB  war.  Made'ine  de  Haldimar  had  be  n  for  some  time  on  a  visit  l^t  De- 
troit, and  her  marriage  with  her  cousin  was  to  have  taken  place  within  a  few 
days.  The  unexpected  arrival  of  intelligence  from  Michillimackinac  that  her 
father  was  dangerously  ill,  however,  retarded  the  ceremony ;  and,  up  to  tlw 
present  period,  tlu'ir  intercourse  had  been  completely  suspended.  If  Made- 
line de  Ha.dimar  was  capable  of  strong  attachment  to  her  lover,  the  power- 
ful ties  of  nature  were  no  less  deeply  root  A  in  her  heart,  and  commiseration 
and  anxiety  for  hor  fi>ther  now  engrossed  every  faculty  of  her  mind.  She 
entreated  hei-  cousin  to  defer  the  solemnisation  of  their  nuptials  until  her 
parent  should  be  pi'onounced  out  of  danger,  and,  having  obtained  his  consent 
to  delay,  instantly  set  off  for  Michillima<  kinac,  accompanied  by  her  cousin 
Clara,  whom  she  had  prevailed  on  the  governor  to  part  with  until  her  own 
return.  Hostilities  were  commenced  ver.y  shortly  afterwards,  and,  although 
Miijor  de  Haldimar  speedily  recovered  from  his  illness,  the  fan*  cousins  were 
compelled  to  share  the  counnon  imprisonment  of  the  garrison. 

When  Miss  de  Haldimar  joined  her  more  youthful  cousin  at  the  window, 
tb.rough  which  the  latter  was  gazing  thoughtfully  on  the  scene  before  her,  kIw 
flung  her  arm  around  her  waist  with  the  protecting  manner  of  a  mother. 
The  mild  blue  eyes  of  Clara  met  those  thut  were  fastened  in  tendei'ness  upon 
her,  and  a  corresponding  movement  on  her  part  brought  the  more  matronly 
form  of  her  cousin  into  close  and  affectionate  contact  with  her  own. 

"  Oh,  Madeline,  what  a  day  is  this !"  she  exclaimed ;  "  and  how  often  on 
my  bended  knees  have  I  prayed  to  heaven  that  it  might  arrive !  Our  trials 
are  ended  at  last,  and  happiness  and  joy  rvq  once  more  before  us.  There  is 
the  boat  that  is  to  conduct  us  to  the  vessel  which,  in  its  turn,  is  to  bear  mo 
to  the  arms  of  my  dear  father,  and  you  to  tho.se  of  the  lover  who  adores  you. 
How  beautiful  does  that  fabric  apjjear  to  t.ie  now  I  Never  did  I  feel  half  th« 
pleasure  iu  surve^iutj;  it  1  do  at  this  laoineut," 


WlCOtSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


id  by  her  cousin 


uo 


•^  Dear,  (Tear  girl !»»  oxclaiinctl  Mi  v»<  dc  Ilaldiniar,  and  she  propsod  lior  doscr 
Mid  in  silence  to  her  heart ;  thon,  ui'ler  a  .slight  pause.  <luring  which  the  mant- 
ling glow  upon  her  brow  told  liow  deeply  she  desired  the  reunion  alludi'd  tc 
l)y  her  cousin — "  that,  intlced,  will  be  an  hour  of  happiness  to  us  both,  Clara  ; 
t'lr  iirevocably  as  our  affections  have  been  pledged,  it  woidd  be  silly  in  the 
extreme  tO  deny  that.  1  long  most  anlently  to  be  restored  to  l.iiu  who  is 
aiicady  my  husband.  But,  tell  me,"  she  concluded,  with  an  archness  of  ex- 
jiic^sion  that  caused  the  lung-lashed  eyes  of  her  companion  to  sink  beneath 
lid  own,  "  are  you  quite  sincere  in  your  own  case  7  I  know  how  deeply  yon 
!(t\  I'  your  father  and  your  brothers,  but  do  these  alone  occupy  your  attention  1 
l>  there  not  a  certain  friend  of  Charles  whom  you  have  some  little  curiosity 
to  set.'  also  ?" 

•'  How  silly,  Madeline  !"  and  the  cheek  of  the  young  girl  became  suff'used 
witli  a  deeper  glow;  "you  know  I  have  never  seen  this  friend  of  my  brother, 
how  then  can  I  possibly  feel  more  than  the  most  ordinary  interest  in  him  1 
I  am  disposed  to  like  him,  certamly,  for  the  mere  rea.son  that  Chailes  does 
but  this  is  all." 

•'  Well,  Clara,  T  will  not  pretem!  to  decide ;  but  certain  it  is,  this  is  the  last 
letter  you  received  fi-om  Ch.arle.s,  ;ind  that  it  contain.*i  the  strongest  recommen- 
dations of  his  friend  to  your  notice.  Equallj?  certain  is  it,  that  .scarcely  a 
(lay  has  passed,  since  we  have  been  shut  tip  here,  that  j'ou  have  not  peru.scd 
and  re-perused  it  half  a  dozen  times.  Now,  as  I  am  confessedly  one  who 
should  know  something  of  these  matters,  I  must  be  sufTered  to  prononnct' 
these  aie  stron,  symptoms,  to  say  the  very  least.  Ah  !  Clara,  that  blnsl  de- 
clares you  guilty,     but  who  have  we  here?     Middleton  and  Baynton." 

The  eyes  of  the  cousins  now  I'elJ  upon  the  ram})arts  immediately  under  ttie 
window.  Two  officers,  one  appai-ently  on  duty  for  the  day,  were  passing  ai 
the  moment;  and,  as  they  heard  rheir  names  pronounced,  stopped,  looketl  up. 
and  saluted  the  young  ladies  with  that  ea.sy  freedom  of  manner,  which,  un- 
mixed with  either  disrespect  or  olivoiitery.  so  usually  characterises  the  addntsi 
of  military  men. 

"  What  a  contrast,  by  heaven  !"  exclaimed  he  who  wore  the  badge  ot  dutj 
■nsjjended  over  \m  chest,  throwin-i  himself  playfully  into  a  theatrical  attitude, 
expressive  at  once  of  admiration  find  .surpri.sii,  while  his  eye  glanced  intelli- 
pontly  over  the  fair  but  dissimilar  forms  of  the  cousins.  "  Venus  and  Psyche 
in  the  land  of  the  Pottowatamies,  Sy  all  that  is  magnificent !  Come.  Middle- 
ton,  quick,  out  with  that  eternal  pencil  of  yours,  and  perform  your  promi.se.'* 

"And  what  may  that  promise  le?"  asked  Clara,  laughingly,  and  without 
adverting  to  the  hyperbolical  compliment  of  the  dark -eyed  officer  who  had 
just  spoken. 

"  You  shall  hear,"  pursued  the  lively  captain  of  the  guard.  "  While  mak- 
ing; the  tour  of  the  ramparts  just  now,  to  visit  my  sentries.  T  .«aw  Middleton 
leaning  most  sentimentally  against  one  of  the  boxes  in  front,  his  note  book  in 
(M'.e  hand  and  his  pencil  in  the  otli'.r.  Curious  to  discover  the  subject  of  his 
abstraction.  I  stole  cautiously  behind  him,  and  saw  that  he  was  sketching  the 
head  of  a  tall  and  rather  handsoPi?  squaw,  who,  in  the  midst  of  a  hundred 
others,  was  standing  close  to  the  gateway  watching  the  preparations  of  the 
Indian  ball  players.  I  at  once  taxed  him  with  having  lost  his  heart;  and 
rally inft  hiqi  on  hi^  bad  taste  iu  devoting  hia  pencil  to  anv  thin^  that  had 


wi 


150 


^^'ACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHE«Y. 


'"S.  :: 


{ 


a  red  sTcln.  never  combed  its  liair,  n  T  turncfl  its  toes  <n  wli''e  walkinj*.  pro* 
uonnccd  his  sketch  to  be  an  absolute  fright.  Well,  will  you  lelievo  what  I 
have  to  add  ?  The  man  absolutely  Hew  into  a  tremendous  passion  with  me, 
and  swore  that  she  was  a  Venus,  a  Juno,  a  Minerva,  a  beauty  of  the  first 
water  in  short ;  and  finished  by  proniisinj;.  that  when  I  could  point  out  any 
woman  who  was  superior  to  her  in  personal  attrjictions.  he  would  on  the  in- 
stant write  no  less  than  a  dozen  consecutive  sonnets  in  lier  praise.  I  now  call 
upon  him  to  fulfil  his  promise,  or  maintain  the  superiority  of  his  Indian 
beauty." 

Before  the  laughing  Middleton  could  find  time  to  reply  to  the  light  and 
immeaning  rattle  of  his  friend,  the  quick  low  roll  of  a  drum  was  heard  from 
the  f)ont.  The  signal  was  understood  by  both  ofiicers,  and  they  prepared  to 
depart. 

"  This  is  the  hour  appointed  for  the  council,"  said  Captain  Baynton,  look- 
ing at  his  watch,  "  and  I  must  be  with  my  guard,  to  receive  the  chiefs  wit) 
becoming  honor.  How  T  pity  you,  Middleton.  who  will  have  the  infliction  ol 
one  of  their  great  big  talks,  as  Murphy  would  call  it,  dinned  into  your  ear 
for  the  next  two  hours  at  least !  Thank  heaven,  my  tour  of  duty  exempts 
me  from  that ;  and  by  way  of  killing  an  hour,  I  think  I  shall  go  and  caiTy 
on  a  flirtation  with  your  Indian  Minerva,  alias  Venus,  alias  Juno,  while  you 
are  discussing  the  atlairs  of  the  nation  with  closed  doors.  But  hark  !  there 
is  the  as.sembly  drum  again.  We  mu.st  be  off.  Come,  Middleton,  come. 
Adieu !"  waving  his  hand  to  the  cousins,  "  we  shall  meet  at  dinner." 

"  What  an  ince.ssant  talker  Baynton  is !"  observed  Mi.ss  de  Ilaldimar,  as 
the  young  men  now  disa.ppcared  roimd  an  angle  of  the  rampart ;  "  but  ho 
lias  reminded  me  of  what  I  had  nearly  forgotten,  and  that  is  to  give  orders 
!or  dinner.  M}'  father  has  invited  all  the  ofiicers  to  dine  with  him  to-day,  in 
commemoration  of  the  peace  which  is  being  conchided.  It  will  be  the  tirst 
:ime  we  shall  have  all  met  together  since  the  commencement  of  this  cruel 
war,  and  we  must  endeavor,  Clara,  to  do  honor  to  the  feast." 

"  1  hope."  timidly  observed  her  cousin,  .shuddering  asslie  .spoke,  "that  none 
of  those  horrid  chiefs  will  be  present,  Madeline  ;  for,  without  any  affectation 
<A'  fear  whatever,  I  feel  that  I  could  not  so  far  overcome  my  disgust  as  to  sit 
at  the  same  table  with  them.  There  was  a  time,  it  is  true,  when  I  thought 
nothing  of  these  things ;  but,  since  the  war  I  have  witnessed  and  heard  so 
Miuch  of  their  horrid  deeds,  that  I  shall  never  be  able  to  endure  the  sight  of 
in  Indian  face  again.  Ah  1"  she  concluded,  turning  her  eyes  upon  the  lake, 
u'hile  she  clung  more  closely  to  the  embrace  of  her  companion;  "  would  to 
heaven,  Madeline,  that  we  were  both  at  this  moment  gliding  in  yonder  ve.^sel 
ind  in  siaht  of  my  father's  fort !" 

CHAPTER  XVJl. 

Tnt  eyes  of  Miss  de  Haldimar  followed  those  of  her  cousin,  and  rested  on 
the  dark  hull  of  the  schooner,  with  which  so  many  recollections  of  the  past 
luid  anticipations  of  the  future  w^re  associated ' in  their  minds.  When  they 
had  lai^t  looked  upon  it,  all  appearance  of  human  life  had  vanished  from  its 
decks ;  bu]t  now  there  was  strong  evidence  of  unusual  bustle  and  activity. 
Numerous  persons  could  Ue  seen  movine  hastily  to  and  fro,  their  heads  just 


WAC0V8TJL,  OB,  THE  PBOPHSOT. 


151 


"■5 


v^e  wnlkinpf.  pro* 
'  >elieve  w^iat  I 
passion  with  me, 
?auty  of  the  tirst 
Id  point  out  finy 
vould  on  the  in- 
raise.  I  now  call 
:y  of  his   Indian 

to  the  light  and 
was  heard  from 
they  prepared  to 

n  Baynton,  look- 
ire  the  chiefs  wit) 
e  the  infliction  ol 
ed  into  your  eai 
of  duty  exempts 
lall  go  and  caiTy 
Juno,  while  you 
But  hark  !  there 
Middleton,  come, 
dinner." 

i  de  Ilaldimnr,  as 
ampart ;  "  but  ho 
is  to  give  orders 
ith  him  to-day,  in 
It  will  be  the  iirst 

fient  of  this  cruel 
> 

poke, "  that  none 
ut  any  affectation 

disgust  as  to  sit 

wlien  I  thought 
sed  and  heard  so 

dure  the  sight  of 
es  upon  the  lake, 
inion ;  "  wouM  to 

in  yonder  ve.'?Rel 


in,  and  rested  on 
ctions  of  the  past 
nds.  When  they 
vanished  from  its 
stle  and  activity. 
their  heads  just 


peering  above  the  bulwarks;  and  presently  they  be)>jld  a  bmall  boat  move 
from  the  ship's  side,  and  shoot  rapidly  ahead,  in  a  direct  line  with  the  well 
known  bearings  of  the  Sinclair's  course.  ^Vhile  they  continued  to  gaze  on 
this  point,  following  the  course  of  the  light  vessel,  and  forming  a  variety  of 
conjectures  as  to  the  cause  of  a  movement,  especially  rcmaj-kable  from  the 
circumstance  of  the  commander  being  at  that  mouicnt  in  the  fort,  whither  he 
}iad  been  summoned  to  attend  the  council,  another  and  scarcely  perceptible 
object  was  dimly  seen,  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a  mile  in  front  of  the 
boat.  With  the  aid  of  a  telescope,  which  had  formed  one  of  the  principal  re; 
sources  of  the  cousins  during  their  long  imprisonment,  Mi.ss  de  Haldimar  now 
perceived  a  dark  and  shapeless  mass  moving  somewhat  heavily  along  the  lake, 
and  in  a  line  with  the  schooner  and  the  boat.  This  was  evidently  approach- 
ing ;  for  each  moment  it  loomed  larger  upon  the  hazy  water,  increasing  in 
bulk  in  the  same  proportion  that  the  departing  skift'  became  less  distinct : 
still,  i,t  was  impossible  to  discover,  at  that  distance,  in  what  manner  it  wag 
propelled.  Wind  there  was  none,  not  as  much  as  would  have  changed  the 
course  of  a  feather  dropping  through  space ;  and,  except  where  the  dividing 
oars  of  the  l^atmen  had  agitated  the  waters,  the  whole  surface  of  the  lake 
was  like  a  sea  of  pale  and  liquid  gold. 

At  length  the  two  dark  bodies  met,  and  the  men  in  the  boat  were  seen  to 
lie  upon  their  oars,  while  one  in  the  stern  seemed  to  be  in  the  act  of  attaching 
a  rope  to  the  formless  matter.  For  a  few  moments  there  was  a  cessation  of 
all  movement ;  and  then  again  the  active  and  sturdy  rowing  of  the  boatnu^i 
was  renewed,  and  with  an  exertion  of  strength  even  more  vigorous  than  that 
they  had  previously  exhibited.  Their  course  was  now  directed  towards  the 
vessel :  and  as  it  gradually  neared  that  fabric,  the  rope  by  which  the  strange 
looking  object  was  secured,  could  be  distinctly  thoxigh  faintly  seen  with  tise 
telescope.  It  was  impo.ssible  to  say  whether  the  latter,  whatever  it  might  bo. 
was  urged  by  some  invisible  means,  or  merely  floated  in  the  wake  of  the 
boat ;  for,  although  the  waters  through  which  it  passwl  ran  rippling  and 
foaming  from  their  course,  this  «ff*ect  might  have  been  produced  by  the  boat 
which  preceded  it.  As  it  now  approached  the  vessel,  it  presented  the  appear- 
ant'c  of  a  den.se  wood  of  evergreens,  the  overhanging  branches  of  which  de- 
Boe-.ided  close  to  Ihe  water's  e  Ige,  and  baffled  every  attempt  of  the  cousins  to 
discover  its  true  character.  The  boat  had  now  ari-ived  within  a  himdrcd 
yards  of  the  schooner,  when  a  man  was  seen  to  rise  from  iis  bows,  and  put- 
ting both  his  hands  to  his  mcith,  after  the  manner  of  .sailors  in  hailing,  to 
continue  in  that  position  for  some  moments,  apparently  conversing  with  those 
who  were  grouped  along  the  neare.it  gangway.  Then  were  observed  rapi<l 
movements  on  the  decks;  and  men  were  seen  hastening  aloft,  and  standing 
out  upon  the  foremost  yards.  This,  however,  had  ottered  no  interruption  to 
the  exertions  of  the  boatmen,  who  still  kept  plying  with  a  vigor  that  set  even 
th«  sailless  rcssel  in  motion,  as  the  foaming  water,  thrown  fiom  their  bending 
oar-blades,  dashed  angrily  against  her  prow.  Soon  afterwards,  both  the  boat 
and  her  prize  disappeared  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  .schooner,  which  now 
lying  with  her '  broadside  immediately  on  a  line  with  the  shore  completely 
hid  them  from  «he  further  view  of  the  cousins. 

^  Look ! — Look !"  said  Clara,  clingi  iq  sensitively  and  with  alarm  to  the  al- 


I  I 


i. 


111 

It : 

II     I 


152 


"VTACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


most  maternal  bosom  ag:ain3t  which  she  roposcd,  while  she  pointcrl  with  hcf 
tinger  to  another  dark  mass  that  was  movinj;  through  the  lake  in  a  circular 
sweep  from  the  point  of  wood  terminating  the  clearing  on  the  right  of  the 
fort. 

Miss  de  HaJdimar  threw  the  ^h?n  on  the  ohjoct  to  wliich  her  attention  waa 
low  directed.  It  was  evidently  some  farrod  nninial  and  presented  all  the  ap- 
pearance either  of  a  large  wator-rat  or  a  beaver,  the  latter  of  which  it  was 
pronounced  to  be  as  a  nearer  approach  rendered  its  shape  more  distinct. 
Ever  and  anon,  too,  it  disappeared  altogether  under  the  water  ;  and  when  it 
again  came  in  sight,  it  was  always  sevei-al  yards  nearer.  Its  course,  at  first 
circuitous,  at  lengtn  took  a  direct  line  with  the  stern  of  the  boat,  where  the 
sailor  who  was  in  charge  still  lay  extended  at  his  drowsy  length,  his  tarpaulin 
hat  shading  his  eyes,  and  his  arms  folded  over  his  uncovered  chest,  while  he 
continued  to  sleep  as  profoundly  as  if  he  had  been  comfortably  berthed  in  his 
hammock  in  the  middle  of  the  Atlantic. 

"  What  a  large  bold  sminml  it  is,"  remarked  Clara,  in  the  tone  of  one  who 
wishes  to  be  confirmed  in  an  impression  but  indifferently  entcrtaiaed.  "  See 
how  close  it  approaches  the  boat!  Had  that  lazy  sailor  bu* his  wits  about 
him.  he  might  easily  knock  it  on  the  head  with  his  oar.  It  is — it  is  a  beaver, 
Madeline ;  I  can  distinguish  its  head  even  with  the  naked  eye." 

"  Heaven  grant  it  may  be  a  beaver,"  answered  Miss  de  Haldimar,  in  a  voice 
BO  deep  and  full  of  meaning,  that  it  made  her  cousin  start  and  turn  paler 
even  than  before.  "  Nay,  Clara,  dearest,  command  yourself,  nor  give  way  to 
what  may,  after  all.  prove  a  groundless  cause  of  alarm.  Yet  I  know  not  how 
it  is.  my  heart  misgives  me  sadly  ;  for  I  like  not  the  motions  of  this  rnimal, 
which  are  strangely  and  unusuall}'  bold.  But  this  is  not  all :  a  beaver  or  a 
rat  mi-rht  ruffle  the  mere  surface  of  the  water,  yet  this  leaves  behind  it  a  deep 
and  gurgling  furrow,  as  if  the  element  had  bc^m  ploughed  to  its  very  bottom. 
Ohserve  how  the  lake  is  agitiwted  and  discclored  wherever  it  has  passed. 
Moreover,  I  dislike  this  sudden  bustle  on  board  the  schooner,  knowing,  as  I 
do,  there  is  not  an  officer  present  to  order  the  movements  now  visibly  going 
forward.  The  men  are  evidently  getting  U}  the  anchor ;  and  see  how  her 
sails  are  loosened,  apparently  courting  the  breeze,  as  if  she  would  fly  to  avoid 
some  threatened  danger.  Would  to  heaven  this  council  scene  were  over ;  for 
1  do,  as  much  as  yourself,  dearest  Clara,  distrust  these  cruel  Indians." 

A  significant  gesture  from  her  trembling  cousin  again  drew  her  attention 
from  the  vessel  to  the  boat.  The  animal,  which  now  exhibited  the  delicate 
and  glossy  fur  of  the  beaver,  had  gained  the  .?tern,  and  remained  stationarv 
within  a  foot  of  her  quarter.  Presently  the  sailor  made  a  sluggish  niove- 
ment,  turning  himself  heavily  on  his  side,  and  with  his  face  towards  his  curi- 
ous and  daring  visitant.  In  the  act  the  tarpaulin  had  fallen  from  his  eyes, 
but  still  he  awoke  not.  Scarcely  had  he  settled  himself  in  his  new  position, 
when,  to  the  infinite  horror  of  the  excited  coi.sins,  a  naked  human  hand  was 
raised  from  beneath  the  surface  of  the  lake,  and  placed  upon  the  gunwale  of 
the  boat.  Then  rose  slowly,  and  still  covered  ^vith  its  ingenious  di.sguise,  finst 
the  neck,  then  the  shoulders,  and  finally  the  form,  even  to  the  midwaist,  of  a 
dark  and  swarthy  Indian,  who,  stooping  lo\^•  and  cautiously  over  the  sailor, 
now  reposed  the  hand  that  had  quitted  the  gunwale  upon  his  form,  while  th# 
other  was  thrust  searchingly  into  the  belt  encircling  his  waist*. 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


153 


r :  and  when  it 


Miss  de  Haldimar  would  "have  called  out.  to  Ri)pr;.se  the  unnappy  man  ot 
his  danger ;  but  her  voice  refused  its  office,  and  her  cousin  was  even  less  capa- 
ble of  exertion  than  herself.  The  deep  throbbings  of  their  hearts  were  now 
audible  to  each ;  for  the  dreadful  interest  they  took  in  the  scene,  had  excited 
their  feelings  to  the  most  intense  stretch  of  agony.  At  the  very  moment, 
however,  when,  with  almost  suspeuded  animation,  they  expected  to  see  the 
Kiiife  of  the  savage  driven  into  the  chest  of  the  sleeping  and  unsuspecting 
H!i;lor.  the  latter  suddenly  started  up,  and  instinct  with  the  full  pen.se  of  the 
wntrer  by  -^hich  he  was  menac*  1.  in  '°ss  time  than  we  take  to  describe  h'. 
R.*:/,ud  the  tiller  of  his  rudder,  the  only  available  instrument  withm  hts  roiich, 
imd  directing  a  powerful  blow  at  the  head  of  his  amphibious  enemj,  laid  him, 
without  apparent  life  or  motion,  across  the  boat. 

••  Almighty  God  !  what  can  ttiis  moan  ?"  exclaimed  Miss  de  Ilaldimar,  as 
soon  MS  she  could  recover  her  pj'es';nce  of  mind.  "  There  is  some  fi'ai  ful 
treachery  in  agitation  ;  and  a  clon<l  now  hangs  ovt^r  all  that  will  soon  burst 
with  irresistible  fury  on  our  devoted  heals.  Clai-a,  my  love,"  and  she  con- 
ducted the  almost  fainting  girl  to  a  seat.  "  wait  here  until  I  return.  The  mo- 
ment is  critical,  and  my  father  must  be  apprised  of  what  we  have  seen.  Un- 
ess  the  gates  of  the  fort  are  instantly  closed,  we  are  lost." 

"  Oh,  Madeline,  leave  me  not  alone,"  entreated  the  sinking  Clara.  "  Wo 
will  go  together.     Perhaps  I  may  be  of  serv'ce  to  you  below." 

'*  The  thought  is  good ;  but  have  you  strength  and  courage  to  face  the 
dark  chiefs  in  the  council-room.  If  so,  hasten  there,  and  put  my  father  on 
nis  guard,  while  I  liy  across  the  parade,  and  warn  Captain  liaynton  of  the 
danger." 

With  these  words  she  drew  the  arm  of  her  agitated  cousin  within  her  own. 
and.  rapidly  traversing  the  apartment,  gained  the  bed-room  which  opened 
close  upon  the  head  of  tlie  principal  staircase.  Already  were  they  descending 
the  first  steps,  when  a  loud  cry,  that  sent  a  thrill  of  terror  through  their 
blood,  was  heard  from  without  the  fort.  For  a  momenl  Miss  de  Ilaldimar 
continued  irresolute;  and  leaning  against  the  rude  balustrade  for  support, 
passed  her  hand  rapidly  acioss  her  brow,  as  if  to  collect  her  scattered  energies. 
The  necessity  for  prompt  and  immediate  action  was,  however,  evident;  and 
she  alone  was  capable  of  exertion.  Speechless  with  alarm,  and  trembling  in 
eveiy  joint,  the  unhappy  Clara  had  now  lost  all  command  of  her  limbs ;  and, 
clinging  close  to  the  side  of  her  cousin,  by  her  wild  looks  alone  betrayed 
consciousness  had  not  wholly  deserted  her.  The  energ}'  of  despair  lent  more 
ihan  woman's  strength  to  Miss  de  Ilaldimar.  She  caught  the  fainting  girl  in 
her  anus,  retraced  her  ?n\y  to  the  cbiiniber.  and  depositing  her  burden  on  the 
bed,  emphatically  enjointd  her  on  no  account  to  move  until  her  return.  She 
then  quitted  the  room,  and  rapidly  descended  the  staircase. 

For  some  moments  all  was  still  and  hushed  as  the  waveless  air;  and  then 
again  a  loud  chorus  of  shouts  was  heard  from  the  ramparts  of  the  fort.  The 
choked  breathing  of  the  young  girl  became  more  free,  and  the  blood  rushed 
once  more  from  her  oppressed  heart  to  the  extremities.  Never  did  tones  of 
the  human  voice  fall  moi-e  gratefully  on  the  ear  of  mariner  cast  on  some  desert 
island,  than  did  those  on  tliat  of  the  highly  excited  Clara.  It  was  the  loud 
laugh  of  the  soldiery,  who,  collected  along  the  line  of  rampart  in  front,  were 
watching  the  progress  of  the  ball-players.  Cheered  by  the  welcome  souiids. 
ihe  rais^  herself  from  the  bed  to  satisfy  her  eye  her  ear  had  not  deceivea 


/'r 


^  ^ 


:   i 


I 


I 


t<  i 


K!   I 


154 


WACOVSTA,  OR,  THE  PBOPaSiT. 


her.  The  windows  of  both  bed-chambers  looked  immediately  on  the  barrack 
square,  and  commanded  a  full  view  of  the  principal  entrance.  From  that  at 
which  she  now  stood,  the  revived  but  still  anxious  girl  could  distinctly  see  all 
that  was  passmg  in  front.  The  ramparts  wore  covered  with  soldiers,  who, 
armed  merely  with  their  bayonets,  stood  jrronpod  in  careless  attitudes — some 
with  their  wives  leaning  ou  their  arms — others  with  their  children  upraised. 
that  tbey  might  the  better  observe  the  enlivening  sports  without — some  lay 
indolently  with  Ih^ir  legs  ovfThanging  the  works — others,  assuming  pugilistic 
attitudes,  dealt  their  harmless  blows  at  each  other. — and  all  were  blendtd 
together,  men,  womon,  and  children,  with  that  heedlessness  of  thought  that 
told  how  little  of  distrust  existed  within  their  breasts.  The  soldiers  of  tho 
guard,  too,  exhibited  the  same  air  of  calm  and  unsuspecting  confidence ;.  sonio 
walking  to  aud  iro  within  the  square,  while  the  greater  portion  either  mixed 
with  their  comrades  above,  or,  with  arms  folded,  legs  caielessly  crossed,  and 
pipe  in  mouth,  leant  lazily  against  the  gate,  and  ga/x>d  beyond  the  lowered 
dnwbridge  on  the  Indian  games. 

\  mountain  weight  seemed  to  have  been  removed  fro»>i  the  breast  of  Clara 
at  this  siglit,  as  she  now  dropped  upon  her  knees  before  the  wmdow,  and 
raised  her  hands  in  pious  acknowledgment  to  heaven. 

"  Almighty  God,  I  thank  thee,"  slie  fervently  exclaimed,  her  eye  once  mcr« 
lighting  up,  and  her  cacek  half  suffused  with  blushes  at  her  late  vague  nnc' 
Idle  fears  ;  while  she  ambraced,  at  a  single  glance,  the  whole  of  the  gladdening 
and  inspiring  scene. 

While  her  soul  was  yet  upturned  whither  her  words  had  gone  before,  hei 
ears  were  again  assailed  by  sounds  that  curdled  her  blood,  and  made  her 
spring  to  her  feet  as  if  stricken  by  a  bullet  through  the  heart,  or  powerfully 
touched  by  some  electric  fluid.  It  wof  the  well-known  and  devilish  war-cry 
of  the  savages,  startling  the  very  air  through  which  it  passed,  and  falling  like 
a  deadly  blight  upoii  the  spirit.  With  a  mechanical  and  desperate  efibrt  at 
courage,  the  unhappy  girl  tiu-ned  her  eyes  below,  and  there  met  images  of 
death  in  their  most  appallini*  shapes.  Hurry  and  confusion  and  despair  were 
every  where  visible  ;  for  a  band  of  Indians  were  already  in  the  fort,  and  these 
&st  succeeded  by  others,  rushed  like  a  torrent  into  the  square,  and  commenced 
their  dreadful  work  of  butchery.  Many  of  the  terrified  soldiers,  without 
thinking  of  drawing  their  bayonets,  flew  down  the  ramparts  in  order  to  gain 
their  respective  block-houses  for  their  lUviskets :  but  these  every  where  met 
death  from  the  crashing  tomahawk,  short  rifle,  or  gleaming  knife ; — others 
who  had  presence  of  mind  sufficient  to  avail  themselves  of  their  only  weapona 
of  defence,  rushed  down  in  the  fury  of  desperation  on  the  yelling  fiends,  re- 
solved to  vsell  their  lives  as  dearly  as  possible  ;  and  for  some  minutes  an  obsti- 
nate contest  was  maintained :  but  the  vast  superiority  of  the  Indian  number;) 
triumphed  ;  and  although  the  men  fought  with  all  the  fierceness  of  despair, 
ibrcing  their  way  to  the  block-houses,  their  mangled  corses  strewed  the  area 
in  every  direction.  Neither  was  the  horrid  butchery  confined  to  these. 
Women  clinging  to  their  husbands  for  protection,  and,  in  the  recklessness  of 
their  despair,  impeding  the  efforts  of  the  latter  in  their  self-defence — ^jhildren 
screaming  in  terror,  or  supplicating  mercy  on  their  bended  knee» — infants 
clasped  to  their  parents'  breasts,  all  alike  sunk  under  the  unpityinj;  steel  of 
the  blood-thirsty-savages.    At  the  guard-house  the  principal  stand  had  been 


ma<1e ;  (br  nt  the  first  rush  Into  the  fort,  tlie  men  on  duty  bad  gained  thefr 
Btation,  and,  having  made  fast  the  banacades,  opened  their  fire  upon  the 
enemy.  Mixed  pele-mele  as  they  were  with  the  Indians,  many  of  the  English 
were  shot  by  their  own  comrades,  who,  In  the  conftision  of  the  moment,  were 
incapable  of  taking  a  cool  and  discriminating  aim.  These,  however,  were 
finally  overcome.  A  band  of  duspurutu  Indians  rushed  vi\nm  the  main  door, 
and  with  repeated  blows  from  their  tomahawks  and  massive  waiHilnbs,  ruo> 
ceeded  in  demolishing  it,  wliile  others  diverted  the  fire  of  those  within.  The 
door  once  forced,  the  struggle  was  soon  over.  Every  man  of  the  guard  per- 
ished, and  their  scalpless  and  disfigured  forms  were  thrown  out  to  swell  ths 
number  of  those  that  already  deluged  the  square  wit^  Cbeir  Uood. 

Even  amid  all  the  horrors  of  this  terrific  scene,  the  agonised  Clara  pnoenvd 
her  consciousness.  The  very  imminence  of  the  danger  endued  her  with  stren^ 
to  embrace  it  under  all  its  most  disheartening  aspects ;  and  she.  whose  mmd 
had  been  wrought  up  to  the  highest  pitch  of  powerful  excitement  by  the  mere 
preliminary  threatenings,  was  comparatively  collected  under  the  catastroplie 
itself  Death,  certain  death,  to  all,  she  saw  was  inevitable ;  and  while  her  per- 
ception at  once  embraced  the  fiitility  of  all  attempts  at  escape  from  the  general 
doom,  she  snatched  from  despair  the  power  to  follow  its  gloomy  details  with- 
•at  being  annihilated  under  their  weight. 

The  confusion  of  the  garrison  had  now  reached  its  acme  of  horror.  Tlie 
shrieks  of  women  and  the  shrill  cries  of  children,  as  they  severally  and  fhiit- 
lessly  bed  from  the  death  certain  to  overtake  them  in  the  end, — the  cursings 
of  the  soldiers,  the  yellings  of  the  Indians,  the  reports  of  rifies,  and  the  crash- 
ings  of  tomahawks ; — these,  with  the  stamping  of  human  feet  in  the  death 
.-ri'^jrorie  maintained  in  the  council -room  below  bfltween  the  chiefs  and  the  offi- 
cers, and  which  shook  the  block-house  to  its  very  foundation,  all  mixed  np  in 
terrible  chorus  together,  might  have  called  up  a  not  inapt  image  of  hell  to  the 
bewildered  and  confounding  brain.  And  yet  the  sun  shone  in  yellow  lustre, 
and  all  nature  smilied,  and  wore  an  air  of  calm,  as  if  the  accursed  deed  had  had 
the  sanction  of  heaven,  and  the  spirits  of  light  loved  to  look  upon  the  frightful 
atrocities  then  in  perpetration. 

In  the  first  distraction  of  her  spirit,  Clara  had  utterly  lost  all  recollection  of 
her  cousin ;  but  now  that  she  had  with  unnatural  desperation,  brought  her 
mind  to  bear  upon  the  fiercest  points  of  the  grim  realty,  she  turned  her  eye 
every  whore  amid  the  scene  of  death  in  search  of  the  form  of  her  beloved  Made- 
line, who. 11  she  did  not  remember  to  have  seen  cross  the  parable  in  pursuance 
of  the  purpo:-e  she  had  named.  While  she  yet  gazed  fearfully  from  the  win- 
dows, loud  bursts  of  mingled  anguish  and  rage,  that  were  almost  drowned  in 
the  fiercer  yells  with  which  they  were  blended,  ascended  from  the  ground-floor 
of  the  block-house.  These  had  hitherto  been  suppressed,  as  if  the  desperate 
attack  of  the  chiefs  on  the  officers  had  been  made  with  closed  doors.  Now. 
however,  there  was  an  evident  -outburst  of  all  parties  into  the  passage ;  ana 
there  the  struggle  appeared  to  be  desperately  and  fearfully  maintained.  In 
the  midst  of  that  chaotic  scene,  the  loud  and  piercing  shriek  of  a  female  rose 
far  above  the  discordant  yell  even  of  the  savages.  There  was  an  'nstant  of 
pause,  and  then  the  crashing  of  a  skull  was  heard,  and  the  confusion  waM 
greater  than  before ;  shrieks,  and  groans,  and  curses,  and  supplications  irat 
the  air. 

The  first  single  shriek  came  from  Madeline  de  Haldimiur,  and  vibrated 


II, 

I' 

r 

f ' 
iji 

1 1 


•j 
1 


\\\ 


!:; 


\\   \\ 


i^rt 


WACOUSTA,  OH,  THE  PltOPBBCT. 


Uirough  every  ehord  of  the  heart  on  which  it  sank.  Scarcely  conscious  of 
what  she  did.  Clara,  quitting  the  window,  once  more  gained  the  top  of  tho 
Btaircase,  ana  at  the  extremity  of  her  voice  called  on  the  name  of  licr  cousin  in 
the  most  piteous  accents.  She  was  answered  by  a  loud  shout  froni  the  ycllin;^ 
band ;  and  presently  boundinjr  foot  ajid  screaming  voices  were  }»oar<!  ascending  Uiu 
HtuirH.  The  ternliod  girl  f. ncied  at  the  luuiiient  she  heard  a  door  open  on  tin' 
floor  immediately  below  lar,  and  some  one  dart  .-iuddenly  up  t)ie  flight  connnu 
nicating  with  tiie  spot  on  which  she  stood.  Witiiout  waiting  to  satisfy  herself, 
Hhe  rushed  with  all  the  mechanical  instinct  of  self-preservation  back  into  hor 
own  apartment.  As  she  passed  the  bed-room  window,  she  glanced  once  more 
hastily  into  the  area  below,  and  there  beheld  a  sight  that,  lilling  her  soul  with 
despair,  paralysed  all  further  exertion.  A  tall  savage  was  bearing  oil"  the  a|>- 
parcntly  lifeless  form  of  her  cousin  through  the  combatants  in  the  s(piare,  her 
while  dress  stained  all  over  with  blood,  and  her  beautiful  hair  loosened  and 
trailing  on  the  groimd.  She  followetl  with  her  burning  eyes  until  they  passed 
the  drawbrige,  and  finally  disappeareil  behind  the  intervening  rampart,  an<i 
then  bowing  her  head  between  her  hands,  and  sinking  upon  her  knees,  she 
reposed  her  forehead  against  the  sill  of  the  window,  and  awaited  unshrinkingly, 
yet  in  a  state  of  inconceivable  agony,  the  consummation  of  her  own  unhappy 
destiny. 

The  sounds  of  ascending  feet  were  now  heard  in  the  passage  without ;  and 
presently,  while  the  clangor  of  a  thousand  demons  seemed  to  ring  throughout 
the  upper  part  of  the  building,  a  man  rushed  furiously  into  the  room.  The 
bljod  of  the  young  giil  curdled  in  her  veins.  She  mechanically  grasped  the 
ledge  of  the  window  on  which  her  aching  head  still  repose  1,  and  with  her  eyes 
tirndy  clo.sed,  to  shut  out  from  view  the  fiend  whose  sight  she  dreaded,  even 
more  than  t«he  death  which  threatened  her,  quietly  awaited  the  blow  that  was 
to  terminate  at  once  her  misery  and  her  life.  Scarcely,  however,  had  the  feet 
of  the  intruder  pressed  the  sanctuary  of  her  bedchamber,  when  the  heavy  door, 
strongly  studded  with  nails,  was  pushed  rapidly  to,  and  bolt  and  lotk  were 
heard  sliding  into  their  several  sockets.  Hefore  Clara  could  raise  her  heail  to 
discover  the  cause  of  this  movement,  she  felt  herself  firmly  secured  in  the 
u;rHsp  of  an  encircling  arm,  and  borne  hastily  through  the  room.  An  instino 
f>«o  KPust  of  something  worse  evec  than  death  now  tiashed  across  the  mind  of 
the  unhappy  girl ;  and  while  she  ft\  red  to  unclose  her  eyeii,  siie  stiuggied  ?i* 
'enily  to  disengage  herself. 

''  Clara  1  dear  Miss  de  Ilaldimar,  do  you  not  know  me  ?"  oxi  laimed  her  8nj> 
lorter,"  while  placing  her  for  a  moment  on  a  seat,  he  proceedeil  to  secure  th« 
'astenings  of  the  .second  door,  that  led  from  the  bedchamber  into  the  largei 
ipartment. 

lie-assured  by  the  tones  of  a  voice  which,  even  in  that  dreadful  moment  of 
rial  and  destruction,  were  familiar  to  her  ear,  the  trembling  girl  opened  her 
eyes  wildly  upon  her  protector.  A  slight  scream  of  terror  niaiked  her  painful 
8ense  of  recognition.  It  was  Captain  Baynton  whom  she  beheld:  but  how  un- 
hko  the  officer  who  a  few  minutes  before  had  been  conversing  with  her  from 
the  ramparts.  His  fine  hair,  matted  with  blood,  now  hung  loosely  and  dis- 
tlguringlr  over  his  eyes,  and  his  pallid  face  and  brow  were  covtred  with  gon 
spots,  the  evident  spatterings  from  the  wounds  of  others ;  while  a  stream  that 
issued  from  one  side  of  fus  head  attested  he  himself  had  not  escaped  unhurt  in 
the  pru^l  melee.  A  skirt  and  a  lappel  had  been  torn  from  ^s,  uniform«  which, 


icly  conscious  of 
\  the  top  of  tlif 
J  of  her  cousin  in 
from  the  yelling 
irt!as('on']in,t:U)'j 
loor  open  on  tJif 
le  ilight  couunu 

0  satisfy  herself, 
m  back  into  her 
[inced  once  more 
ti;;  her  soul  with 

1  ring  off  the  ujh 
i  the  scjuare,  her 
air  loosened  ant! 
intil  they  passed 
v^  rampart,  an<l 
I)  her  knees,  she 
J  unshrinkin{i,ly. 
liv  own  unhappy 

j;e  witliout ;  and 
ring  throughout 
the  room.  The 
ally  grasped  tho 
11(1  with  her  eyes 
le  di'eaded,  even 
e  blow  that  waa 
ver,  had  the  feet 
the  heavy  door, 

and  Id  k  were 
aise  her  head  to 

secured  in  the 
n.  An  instino 
OSS  the  mind  o> 
le  sLi  uggleti  ?i* 

ilaimed  her  snj> 
etl  to  secme  th< 
into  the  largei 

Iful  moment  of 
girl  opened  her 
•ked  her  painful 
d :  but  how  un- 
;  with  her  from 
ooselj  and  dis- 
vtred  with  gon 
e  a  stream  that 
mped  unhurt  in 
uniform,  which, 


Wacouhta,  on,  THE  pRorii£cr. 


157 


together  with  other  portions  of  his  dress,  were  now  stained  in  various  part» 
liy  the  Wood  continually  Howing  from  his  wound. 

"  Oh,  Captain  Baynton."  murmured  the  fainting  girl,  her  whole  soul  sinking 
within  her.  as  she  gazed  dhudderingly  on  his  person,  "  is  there  no  hope  for  u^* ; 
must  we  die  ?" 

"  No,  by  heaven,  not  w.iile  1  have  strength  to  save  you,"  returned  the  otti 
cer,  with  energy.  "  If  the  savage  have  not  penetrated  to  the  rear,  we  may  \  «•» 
j.scjipe.  1  saw  the  po.xtern  open  just  now.  on  my  passage  round  the  rampiut 
and  the  boat  of  the  schooner  upon  the  strand.  Ua  !"  he  exclaimed,  as  \\v  lt"w 
to  the  window,  and  cast  his  eye  rapidly  below,  "  we  are  lost!  The  gate  is  viiil 
clear,  and  not  an  Indian  to  be  seen;  but  the  coward  .sailor  is  pulling  for  ^l;^: 
iil'e  tcrards  tho  vessel.  Hut  hold!  another  boat  is  now  quitting  the  ship's 
nide.  See,  how  manfully  they  give  themselves  to  the  oars;  in  a  few  luinutes 
they  will  be  here.  Come,  Clara,  let  us  fly  !"  and  again  he  catight  her  up  in 
his  arms,  .ami  bore  her  across  the  room.  '*  Mark,  hear  you  not  the  exulting 
yellings  of  the  monsters  ?  They  are  forcing  the  outer  door:  mark  how  they 
nvlouble  their  ellbrts  to  break  it  open  !  That  passed,  but  one  more  barrier 
remains  between  us  and  inevitable  and  instant  ileath." 

"And  my  cousin,  my  uncle!"  shrieked  the  unhappy  girl,  as  the  oiUcer  now 
bore  her  rapidly  down  the  back  staircase. 

"  Oh,  ask  mo  not !"  exclaimed  Baynton  :  "  were  I  to  linger  again  on  all  I 
have  witnessed,  I  should  go  mad     A"  all  have  perished !  but,  hark !" 

A  tremendous  yell  now  bursting  from  the  passage,  announced  at  once  the 
triumph  of  the  savages  in  having  effected  an  entrance  into  the  bed-room,  and 
their  disappointment  at  finding  their  pursuit  baulked  by  a  second  door.  Pre- 
sently afterwards  their  heavy  weapons  wci'e  to  be  heard  thundering  at  this 
new  obstacle;  in  the  most  furious  manner.  This  gave  new  stimulus  to  the  ex- 
ertions of  the  generous  officer.  Each  winding  of  the  staircase  was  familiar  to 
him,  and  lno  now  descei  (led  it  with  a  rapidity  which,  con.sidering  the  burden 
that  reposed  against  hi.',  chest,  could  only  have  been  inspired  by  his  despair. 
The  flight  terminated  at  a  door  that  led  directly  upon  the  rampart,  without 
eonnnunicating  with  any  of  the  passages  of  the  building ;  and  in  this  consist- 
ed  the  principal  facility  of  escape:  for,  in  order  to  reach  them,  the  savages 
must  either  make  the  circuit  of  the  block-house,  or  overtake  them  in  the 
couise  they  were  now  following.  Iji  this  trying  emergency,  the  pi*esence  of 
mind  of  the  young  officer,  wounded  and  tleeding  as  he  was,  did  not  desert  him. 
On  quitting  the  larger  apartment  above,  he  had  secured  the  outside  fastenings 
of  a  small  door  at  the  top  of  the  stairs,  and  having  now  gained  the  bottom, 
he  took  a  similar  precaution.  All  that  remained  was  to  unclose  the  bolts  of 
the  ponderous  door  that  opened  upon  their  final  chance  of  escape :  this  was 
speedily  done,  but  here  the  feelings  of  the  officer  were  put  to  a  severe  test-  A 
w'de  partition  divided  him  from  the  fatal  council-r  om  an«l  while  he  umli/l 
the  fastf'nings,  the  faint  and  dying  groans  of  his  butchered  brother  oiUcers 
rung  in  his  ears,  even  at  the  mouient  that  he  felt  his  feet  dabbling  in  the 
.ilood  that  oo/ed  through  the  imperfectly  clo.sed  planks  of  which  the  partition 
Was  composed.  As  for  Oiara,  she  was  insensible  to  all  that  was  passing. 
From  the  tuomeut  of  the  Indian  yell,  announcing  their  entry  mto  the  bed- 
room, sho  hud  fainted. 

The  huge  door  came  now  creaking  back  upon  its  hinges,  when  the  sounds 
of  the  yet  unfhushod  conflict  io  front,  which  bad  hitherto  been  do»d<med  in 


I* 


. 


I 


vn 


M 


i  w 

i    w 

1        1 

Hi 


! 


i 


I  I 


il  I 


158 


WA«OWtTA.  Om,  TBE  niOFBBCT. 


fhoir  descent  ihrongh  the  remote  italrcase,  rang  onoe  more  fiercely  and  start- 
lingly  upon  the  ear.  A  mngle  glance  satiufled  Uaptain  Baynton  the  moment 
for  exertion  was  come,  and  that  the  way  to  the  lake  shore,  which,  by  soma 
strange  orersight,  both  the  Indians  and  the  men  had  overlooked,  was  perfect* 
ly  clear.  Ue  clasped  liis  unconscious  burden  closer  to  his  chest,  and  then, 
setting  his  life  upon  the  cast,  hastened  down  the  few  steps  that  led  to  tlie 
rampart,  and  dashed  rapidly  through  the  postern ;  in  the  next  mmute  ho 
stood  on  the  uttermost  verge  of  the  sands,  unharmed  and  unfollowcd.  He 
cast  his  eyes  anxiously  alon^  the  surface  of  the  lake ;  but  such  was  the  cx« 
citement  and  confusion  of  his  mind,  produced  by  the  horrid  recollection  of 
the  past  scene,  it  was  not  until  he  had  been  abruptly  hailed  from  it,  he  could 
see  a  boat,  at  the  distance  of  about  two  hundred  yards,  the  crew  of  which  were 
lying  on  tneJr  oars.  It  was  the  long-boat  of  the  schooner,  which,  prevented 
from  a  nearer  approach  by  a  sand  bar  that  ran  along  the  luke  to  a  consider- 
able extent,  had  taken  her  station  there  to  receive  the  fugitives.  Two  tall 
youn^  men  in  the  dress,  yet  having  little  the  mien,  of  common  sailors,  were 
standmg  up  in  her  stern ;  and  one  of  these,  with  evident  anxiety  in  his  manner, 
called  on  Baynton  by  name  to  make  the  best  of  his  way  to  the  boat.  At  that 
moment  a  loud  and  frantic  yell  came  from  the  block-house  the  latter  had  just 
quitted.  In  the  wild  impulse  of  his  excited  feelings,  he  answered  with  a  cheer 
of  defiance,  as  he  turned  to  discover  the  precise  point  whence  it  proceeded.  The 
windows  of  the  apartment  so  recently  occupied  by  the  unhappy  cousins,  were 
darkened  with  savage  forms,  who  now  pealed  forth  their  mingled  fury  and 
disappointment  in  the  most  terrific  manner. 

''  Fly,  fly,  Baynton,  or  you  are  lost  I"  excltumed  the  same  voice  from  the 
boat ;  "  the  devus  are  lereUing  from  the  windows." 

While  he  yet  spaUe,  several  shots  came  whizzing  along  the  waters,  a  id  a 
ipent  ball  even  scrucK  the  now  rapidly  fleeing  officer  in  the  back ;  but  the 
iistance  was  too  great  for  serious  injury.  The  gims  of  the  savages  had  been 
cut  so  sbctt  for  their  desperate  enterprise,  that  they  carried  little  further  than 
a  horse  pistol. 

Again,  in  the  desperation  of  his  feelings,  and  heedless' of  the  danger  he  waa 
drawing  on  himself  and  charge,  the  officer  turned  fiercely  round  and  shouted, 
at  his  utmost  lungs,  a  peal  of  triumph  in  the  ears  of  his  enemies.  Scarcely 
however,  had  the  sounds  escaped  his  lips,  when  two  hideously  painted  Indians 
oprang  through  the  postern,  and,  silent  as  the  spectres  they  resembled,  rushed 
down  the  sands,  and  thence  into  the  lake.  Loud  shouts  from  the  windows 
above  were  again  pealed  forth,  and  from  the  consternation  visible  on  the  fea- 
tures of  those  within  the  boat,  the  nearly  exhausted  Baynton  learned  all  the 
risk  he  incurred.  Summoning  all  his  strength,  he  now  made  the  most  des- 
perate efforts  to  reach  his  friends.  The  lake  was  little  more  than  knee  deep 
from  the  shore  to  the  bar,  but,  encumbered  as  he  was,  the  difficulty  opposed 
to  his  movements  was  immeasurably  against  him.  and  yet  he  seemed  gene- 
rously resolved  rather  to  perish  than  relinquish  nis  charge.  Already  were 
his  pursuers,  now  closely  followed  by  a  numerous  band,  within  twenty  yards 
of  mm,  when  the  two  young  men,  each  armed  with  a  cutlass  aind  pistol,  spring 
from  the  boat  upon  the  sand  bar :  as  the  Indians  came  on  they  fired  <iclib&- 
rately  at  them,  but  b)th  missed  their  aim.  Encouraged  by  this  failure,  the 
iMil'Iew  d^vil?  dashed  ea^l^  oq,  br^diihing  their  glcamic^  tomahawks,  \mt 


\j  and  start- 
the  moment 
ich,  by  soma 
was  perfect- 
it,  and  then. 
t  lerl  to  tlie 
t  mmute  ho 
Uowed.     He 

was  the  cx- 
coUection  of 

it,  he  could 
r  which  were 
b,  prevented 
0  a  consider- 
i.  Two  tall 
sailors,  were 
his  manner, 
at.  At  that 
tter  had  just 
with  a  cheer 
)ceedcd.  The 
X)usins,  were 
led  fury  and 

ice  from  the 

'aters,  a  id  a 
ck ;  but  the 
;es  had  been 
further  than 

tnger  he  waa 
Etnd  shouted, 
8.  Scarcely 
ntcd  Indians 
kbled,  rushed 
the  winclows 
i  on  the  fea- 
imed  all  thu 
he  most  des- 
m  knee  deep 
alty  opposed 
eemed  gene- 
Llready  were 
wenty  yards 
)istol,  spring 
fired  ^.clib(>« 
s  failure,  tbo 
iab»vrlc8,  but 


"(V'ACOUSTA.  OR,  TBS  PBOPHXOT. 


1 


59 

otti'Hn^;  not  a  sound.  Already  was  tlio  unfortunate  Baynton  with/h  a  few  flm 
of  the  bar,  when  ho  felt  that  the  savages  were  immediately  upon  him. 

"  Take,  take,  for  God's  suKo,  tnkc  Iut  !"  he  cried  as  with  a  Jesperate  eflbrt 
he  threw  the  light  form  of  the  still  unconscious  pirl  into  the  arms  of  one  of 
the  young  men.     "My  slri'ii;:;th  is  (|iiite  exhausted,  and  1  cuu  d^  no  more." 

For  the  first  time  a  yt-H  burst  from  the  lips  of  tl;e  pursuing  savages,  ai 
they  saw  him,  to  whom  the  guardianship  of  the  wretched  Clara  was  now  con- 
tided,  su<ldonlv  spring  from  the  sund  bar  into  the  lak(  and  in  a  few  rapid 
strokes  gain  the  side  of  the  boat.  Leaving  the  hapless  I  iynton  to  be  dispos- 
ed of  by  his  companion,  the  foremost  darted  upon  the  bank,  burning  with 
disappointment,  and  resolved  to  immolate  another  victim.  For  a  moment  ho 
lj;ilanced  his  tomahawk,  and  then  with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  darted  it  at 
iho  covered  head  of  the  youtli  who  still  lingered  on  the  bar.  A  wel'  timed 
movement  of  the  latter  averted  the  blow,  and  the  whizzing  steel  passed  harm- 
lessly on.  A  guttural  "  ugh  !"  marked  the  disappointment  of  the  Indian,  inti9 
reduced  to  liis  scalping-kuifo  ;  but  before  he  could  determine  whether  to  ad- 
vance or  to  retreat,  his  opponent  had  darted  upon  him,  and  with  a  single  blow 
'mm  his  cutlass,  cleft  h  sskult  nearly  asunder.  The  next  instantaneous  pur- 
(ii)>e  of  the  victor  wa.s  lo  advance  to  the  rescue  of  the  exhausted  liaynton  j 
i;nt,  when  ho  turned  to  look  for  him,  he  saw  the  man!j(led  form  of  what  had 
once  been  that  gallant  and  handsome  officer  lloating,  without  life  or  motion,  ou 
ilie  blood-stained  surface  of  the  Huron,  while  his  fiendish  murderer,  calmly 
awaiting  the  approach  of  his  companions,  held  i?p  the  reeking  scalp,  in  tn- 
uMiph,  to  the  view  of  the  still  yelling  gi-oups  withi»>  the  block-house. 

"  Noble,  generous,  self-devoted  fellow !"  exclaimed  the  youth,  as  he  fixed 
his  burning  tearless  eye  for  a  moment  on  the  unfortunate  victim  ;  "  even  you, 
liien,  are  not  spared  to  tell  the  horrid  story  of  this  biKohery  :  yet  is  the  fate 
of  the  fallen  far,  far  more  enviable  than  that  of  those  who  have  survived  thia 
day."  He  then  committed  his  cutlass  to  its  sheath :  aad,  leaping  into  the 
deep  water  that  lay  beyond  the  bar,  was,  in  a  few  seconds,  once  more  in  the 
stein  of  the  boat. 

Meanwhile,  the  numerous  band,  who  followed  their  two  first  fierce  com- 
liides  into  the  lake,  bounded  rapidly  forward :  and,  so  active  were  tiheir  move- 
ments, that,  at  almost  the  same  moment  when  the  second  of  the  youths  had 
gained  his  temporary  place  of  refuge,  they  stood  yelling  and  screaming  on  the 
sand  bar  he  had  just  quitted.  Two  or  three,  excited  to  desperation  by  the 
blood  they  had  "seen  spilt,  plunged  unhesitatingly  into  the  opposite  depths  of 
the  lake ;  and  the  foremost  of  these  was  the  destroyer  of  the  ill-fated  Bayn- 
ton. With  his  bloody  scalping-knife  closely  clutched  between  his  teeth  and 
Ills  tomahawk  in  his  right  hand,  this  fierce  warrior  buffeted  the  waves  lustily 
with  one  arm,  and  noiselessly,  as  in  the  early  part  of  his  pursuit,  urged  his 
wa}'  towards  the  boat.  In  the  stern  of  this  a  few  planks  from  the  schooner 
liad  been  firmlj'  lashed,  to  serve  as  a  shield  against  the  weapons  of  the  sava- 
jres,  and  was  so  arranged  as  to  conceal  all  within  while  retiring  from  the 
shore.  A  small  aperture  had,  however,  been  bored  for  the  purpose  of  ob- 
serving the  movements  of  the  enemy  without  risk.  Through  this  an  eye  was 
now  directed,  while  only  the  blades  of  the  oars  were  to  be  seen  projecting 
from  the  boat's  sides'  as  they  reposed  in  their  rowlocks.  Encouraged  by  the 
seeming  apathy  and  inertness  of  the  crew,  the  swimming  savages  paused  not 
U>  consider  of  c^nse(^uences,  but  continued  tb<ur  daring  course  as  if  they 


■1 


4 


il 


I  I' 
'  ':' 

'  Il 


•   i5 


160 


WACOUSTA,  OK,  TUE  PROPUECY. 


•pprehendcd  neither  risk  ncr  resistance.  Presently  a  dLsporate  sp!a>])  'a m 
heard  near  the  stern  of  the  boat,  and  the  sinuous" form  of  the  first  sav.i-u 
waa  raised  alx^ve  the  gunwale,  his  grim  face  looking  devilish  in  its  snioatcd 
war-paint,  and  his  Hei-ce  eyes  gleaming  and  rolhng  like  fire-balls  in  their  sock- 
ets. Scarcely  was  he  seen,  however,  when  he  had  again  disappeared.  A  blow 
from  the  cutlass  that  had  destroyed  his  companion  descended  like  lightning 
on  his  naked  and  hairless  head  ;  and,  in  the  agony  of  death,  he  might  be  seen 
fnnding  bis  teetJi  Hirsiiust  the  knife  which  the  instinctive  ferocity  of  his  niituri 
forbade  his  relinquishing.  A  yell  of  fury  burst  from  the  savages  on  tht  bar 
and  presently  a  shower  of  bullets  flew  whistling  through  the  air.  Several 
were  heard  striking  the  rude  rampart  in  the  stern ;  but,  although  the  h-y.d 
was  scarcely  out  of  pistol-shot,  the  thickness  of  the  wood  j)revented  injury 
to  those  within.  Another  fierce  yell  followed  this  volley  ;  and  then  nearly  a 
score  of  warriors,  giving  their  guns  in  charge  to  their  companions,  plunged 
fiiriou^l}'  into  the  water ;  and,  with  an  air  of  the  most  infuriated  determina- 
tion, leaped  rather  than  swam  along  its  surfjice. 

"  Now  then,  my  lads,  give  way."  said  he  at  the  lookout ;  "  there  are  more 
than  a  dozen  of  the  devils  in  full  cry ;  and  oin-  only  chance  is  in  flight !  Ila  ! 
another  here!"  as.  turning  to  issue  these  directions,  he  chanced  to  seethedaik 
hand  of  a  ravage  at  that  moment  grasping  the  gunwale  of  the  boat  as  if  with 
a  view  to  retard  her  nvpvements  until  the  arrival  of  his  companions. 

A  heavy  blow  from  his  cutlass  accompanied  these  words.  The  fingers,  di •• 
▼ided  at  their  very  roots,  rolled  to  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and  the  carcass  of 
the  savage  dropped,  with  a  yell  of  anguish,  far  in  the  rear.  The  heavy  oai- 
blades  of  the  seamen  now  made  play,  dashing  the  lake  awa}'  in  sheets  of  foam ; 
and,  in  less  than  five  minutes,  the  heads  of  the  swimming  savages  were  seen 
like  so  many  rats  upon  the  water,  as  they  returned  once  more  in  disappoint- 
ment from  their  fruitless  pursuit. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


The  sun  had  gone  down,  as  he  had  risen,  in  all  the  gloriousness  of  his  au- 
tumnal splendor,  and  twilight  was  now  fast  descending  on  the  waters  of  the 
Huron.  A  slight  breeze  was  just  beginning  to  make  itself  felt  from  the  land, 
the  gradual  rising  of  which  was  hailed  by  many  an  anxious  heart,  as  the 
schooner,  which  had  been  making  vain  attempts  to  quit  lier  anchorage  during 
the  day,  now  urged  her  light  bows  through  tiie  slightly  curling  element.  A 
death -like  silence,  interrupted  only  by  the  low,  grutf  voice  of  a  veteran  sea- 
man, as  he  issued,  in  technical  language,  the  necessary  orders  for  the  manage- 
ment of  the  vessel,  prevailed  every  wliere  along  her  decks.  The  dress  and 
general  appearance  of  this  individual  announced  him  for  a  petty  officer  of  the 
royal  service ;  and  it  was  evident-,  from  the  tone  of  authority  with  which  ho 
spoke,  he  was  now  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  temporary  command.  The  crew, 
consisting  of  about  thirtj'^  souls,  and  chiefly  vetei-ans  of  the  same  ch\ss.  were 
assembled  along  the  gangways,  eac'i  man  wearing  a  brace  of  pistols  in  the 
belt,  which,  moreover,  secuied  a  naked  cutlass  around  his  loins ;  and  these 
now  lingered  near  the  several  ^uns  that  were  thrown  out  from  their  gloomv 


WACOUiTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECT. 


161 


lie  lirst  siiv.i^j 
in  Its  siin'iucd 
Is  in  their  soi-k- 
eared.  A  blow 
1  like  lightning 
c  might  be  seen 
ty  of  his  ufttura 
iges  on  tla  bar 
le  air.  Sevenil 
longh  the  b'^at 
revented  injury 
d  then  nearly  a 
unions,  plunged 
ited  deteruiina- 

'  there  are  more 
in  flight !  Ila  1 
[  to  see  the  durk 
J  boixt  as  if  with 
mions. 

The  fingers,  di- 
il  the  caicass  of 
The  heavy  oar- 
1  sheets  of  foam  j 
vages  were  seen 
!  in  disappoiiit- 


sness  of  his  au- 
e  »7aters  of  the 
It  from  the  lan<l, 
lis  heart,  as  the 
iichorage  during 
ing  element.  A 
>f  a  veteran  sea- 
for  the  manage- 

The  dress  and 
tty  officer  of  the 

with  wliieh  ho 
nd.  The  crew, 
;ame  class,  were 
)f  pistols  in  the 
oins ;  and  these 
>m  their  gloomv 


looking  ports,  as  if  ready  fbr  some  active  sciTfco.  "But.  although  the  arming 
of  these  men  JHdicated  hostile  preparation,  there  was  none  of  that  buoy.inty 
of  movement  and  animation  of  feature  to  be  observed,  which  so  usually  char- 
acterise the  indomitable  daring  of  the  British  sailor.  Some  stood  leaning 
their  head^  pensively  on  their  hands  against  the  rigging  and  hammocks  that 
were  stowed  away  along  the  bulwarks,  after  the  fasliion  of  war  ships  in  boai'd- 
ing;  others,  with  arms  tightly  folded  across  their  chests,  gazed  earnestly  aii<l 
despondingly  on  the  burning  fort  in  the  distance,  amid  the  rolling  volunns  of 
Bmoke  and  flame  from  which,  ever  and  anon,  aro.sc  the  fiendish  yell  of  those 
who,  having  already  sacked,  wore  now  reducing  it  to  aslues.  Nor  was  this 
the  only  object  of  their  attention.  On  the  sand  bank  alluded  to  in  our  last 
chapter  were  to  be  dimly  seen  through  the  growing  dusk,  the  dark  outlmes 
of  many  of  the  savages,  who.  frantic  with  rage  at  their  inability  to  devote 
them  to  the  same  doom,  were  still  unwilling  to  quit  a  spot  which  approache<J 
them  nearest  to  the  last  surviving  oltjcnts  of  their  enmity.  Around  this  point 
were  ollected  numerwiis  canoes,  f'.lled  also  with  w«n-iors ;  and.  at  the  mo- 
merit  when  the  vessel  obeying  the  impulse  given  by  her  flowing  sails,  gtidort 
from  the  anchorage,  the.se  followed,  scudding  in  her  wake,  and  made  a  sliow 
of  attacking  her  in  the  stern.  The  sudden  yawing  of  the  schoonei,  however, 
in  bringing  hei  tier  of  bristling  ports  into  view,  had  checked  the  ardor  of  the 
pursuing  fleet ;  and  the  discharge  of  a  single  gun.  destroj'ing  in  its  course 
three  of  their  canoes,  and  carrying  death  among  those  whe  directed  them, 
had  driven  theia  back,  in  the  greatest  hurry  and  confusion,  to  their  yelling 
and  disapjjointed  conu-ades. 

The  after-deck  of  the  schooner  presented  a  diffbrent,  though  not  less  sonibre 
and  discouraging  scene.  On  a  pile  of  mattrasses  lay  the  light  and  almost  in- 
•inimate  form  of  Clara  de  Ilaldimar ;  her  fair  and  redimdant  hair  overshadow- 
ing lier  pallid  brow  and  cheek,  and  the  dress  she  had  worn  at  the  moment  of 
hor  escape  from  the  fort  .still  spotted  with  the  blood  of  her  generous  but  un- 
foi  tuiiate  preserver.  Clo.se  at  her  side,  with  her  hands  clasped  in  his,  while 
he  watched  the  expression  of  deep  suffering  reflected  from  each  set  feature, 
and  yet  w  ith  the  air  of  one  pre-occupied  with  some  other  subject  of  painful 
nitei'i'st.  sat.  on  an  empty  shot  box,  the  young  man  in  sailor's  attire,  whoso 
cutlass  had  performed  the  double  service  of  destroying  his  own  immediate 
oppotient.  and  avenging  the  death  of  the  devoted  Baynton.  At  the  heati  of 
the  vMile  couch,  an(l  leaning  against  a  portion  of  the  schooner's  stern-work, 
stood  his  companion,  who  from  delica<;y  appealed  to  have  turned  away  his 
eyes  froni  the  group  below,  merely  to  cast  them  vacantly  on  the  dark  waters 
through  which  the  vessel  was  now  beginning  to  urge  her  course. 

Such  was  the  immediate  position  of  this  little  party,  when  the  gun  fire<4  at 
the  Indians  was  heard  booming  heavily  along  the  lake.  The  loud  report,  in 
exciting  new  sources  of  alarm,  seemed  to  have  dis.sipated  the  spell  that  had 
hiihcjto  chained  the  energies  and  perception  of  the  still  weak,  but  now  highly 
exciieil  gill. 

"  Oh.  Captain  Baynton,  where  are  we?"  she  exclaimed,  starting  up  sud- 
denly in  terror,  and  throwing  her  arms  around  him  who  sat  at  her  side,  as  if 
she  would  have  clung  to  him  for  protection.  "  Is  the  horrid  massacre  not 
Hnished  yet  1  Where  is  Madeline?  where  is  my  cousin?  Oh,  I  cannot 
lear«  th«  fort  without  hen" 


I 


!    I 


m 


m 


o 


m 


t 


?    i 


i 


I, 

t 


i: 


l^i 


.  I 


162 


WACOUSTA,  OH,  TUK  I'KOPIIECY. 


"  Ha!  where  indeed  is  she?"  exclaimed  the  youth,  as  he  clasped  his  trcm* 
bling  and  scarcely  conscious  burden  to  his  chest,  "  Almighty  God,  where  ia 
Ehe  7"  Then,  after  a  short  pause,  and  in  a  voice  of  tender  but  exquisite  anguish 
'Clara,  my  beloved  sister,  do  you  not  know  me?  It  is  not  Baynton  hut 
your  brother,  who  now  clasps  you  to  his  breakiuj^  heart." 

A  delage  of  tears  was  the  only  answer  of  the  wretched  girl.  They  wcro 
the  first  she  had  shed, — the  first  marks  of  consciousness  she  had  exhibited. 
Hitherto  her  heart  had  been  oppressed ;  every  fibi-e  of  hcir  brain  racked  al- 
most to  bursting,  and  filled  only  with  ghastly  flitting  visions  of  tlic  diciidfu] 
horrois  she  had  seen  perpetrated,  she  had  continued,  since  the  momcv.t  of  Irt 
fainting  in  the  block-house,  as  one  bereft  of  all  memory  of  the  past,  or  appre^ 
hension  of  the  pi-esent.  But  now,  the  full  out-pouiing  of  her  grief  relieved 
her  overcharged  brain  and  heart,  even  while  the  confused  images  floating  hi> 
fore  her  recollection  acquired  a  more  tangible  and  jjuinful  character.  She 
rsu'?^  herself  a  moment  from  the  breast  on  which  her  burning  head  reposL<l. 
looked  steadfiistly  in  the  fac.^  that  hung  anxiously  over  her  own.  aiid  .saw  in- 
deed that  it  was  her  brother.  She  tried  to  speak,  but  she  could  not  uTtir  a 
wrord,  for  the  memory  of  all  that  had  occuri'cd  that  fatal  morning  rushed  with 
mountain  weight  upon  her  fainting  spirit,  and  again  she  wept,  and  more  la. 
terly  than  before. 

The  young  man  pressed  her  in  silence  to  his  bosom ;  nor  was  it  until  sho 
had  given  full  vent  to  her  grief,  that  he  ventured  to  address  her  on  the  sub- 
ject of  his  own  immediate  sorrows.  At  length,  when  .she  appeared  somewhat 
calm,  he  ©bseived,  in  a  voice  broken  by  emotion, — 

"  Clara,  dearest,  w'lat  account  have  you  to  give  rne  of  Madeline  ?  TIas  sh» 
shared  the  fate  of  all?  or  have  you  reason  to  suppose  htr  life  has  heen 
spared?" 

Another  burst  of  tears  succeeded  to  the.se  questions,  for  ccuplcd  with  the 
name  of  her  coasin  arose  all  the  horrid  as.soeiations  connected  with  hea'  less. 
As  soon,  however,  as  she  could  compose  herself,  she  brieily  stated  all  she  had 
witnessea  of  the  afifair,  from  the  moment  when  the  boat  of  the  schooner  wna 
seen  to  meet  the  strange  looking  object  on  the  water,  to  that  when  she  had 
beheld  her  ill-fated  cousin  borne  away  apparently  lifeless  in  the  arms  of  the 
'tall  Indian  by  whora^she  had  been  captured. 

During  this  recital,  the  heart  of  Captain  de  Haldimar, — for  it  was  he, — beat 
audibly  against  the  cheek  that  still  reposed  on  his  breast ;  but  when  his  sister 
had,  in  a  faint  voice,  closed  her  melancholy  narrative  with  the  manner  of  her 
cousin's  disappearance,  he  gave  a  sudden  start,  uttering  at  the  san^e  time  an 
exclamation  of  joy. 

"  Thank  God,  she  still  lives  !"  he  cried,  pressing  his  sister  once  more  in  fond- 
ness to  his  heart;  then  turning  to  his  companion^  who,  aitliough  seemingly 
abstracted,  had  been  a  silent  and  attentive  witness  of  tiie  seene, — "  lj3f 
Jieaven !  Valletort,  there  is  yet  a  hope.  She  it  was  indeed  whom  we  saw  boina 
out  of  the  fort,  and  subsequently  made  to  walk  by  the  cruel  Ii^dian  who  had 
charge  of  her." 

"  Valletort,  Valletort,"  murmured  Clara  unconsciou.sly,  her  sick  heait 
throbbing  with  she  knew  not  what.  "  IIow  is  thi.s,  Frederick  ? — Wheie, 
then,  is  Captain  Baynton  ?  and  how  came  you  here  ?' 

"  Alas !  Clara,  poor  Baynton  is  no  more.  Even  at  the  moment  when  ho 
confided  the  unoonscious  burden,  preserved  at  the  j)enl  of  his  own  life,  to  the 


/AcousTA,  on.  Tin:  riioniEt  y. 


1G3 


clasped  his  trcm- 
ty  Ood,  where  ia 
exquisite  anguish, 
not  Baynton  hut 

girh  They  wcro 
lie  had  exhihited. 
brain  racke(]  al- 
'.s  of  the  (bcadful 
le  moment  of  her 
le  past,  or  appre- 
her  grief  relieved 
nages  iloating  bo 
1  character.  Sho 
ing  head  reposed. 
y\vn.  and  saw  in- 
;oi.iliI  not  uTtiT  a 
ning  rushed  with 
pt,  and  more  In- 

was  it  until  sho 
s  her  on  the  sub- 
peared  somewhat 

Ic'linc  ?  Has  sh« 
icr  life  has  been 

ccuplcd  witli  the 
ed  with  hei'  loss, 
stated  all  she  iiad 
the  schoontir  was 
lat  when  she  had 
I  the  ai'ms  of  the 

•  it  was  he, — beat 
it  when  his  sister 
le  manner  of  her 
the  6aiio  time  an 

nee  more  in  fond- 
liough  sceminjily 
;iie  srene, — "  U)f 
OiU  we  saw  borne 
Irdian  who  had 

,  her  sick  heart 
Jerick  ? — Wheie, 

nomont  when  ho 
s  own  life,  to  the 


arms  of  SirEverard  liere.  he  fell  beneath  the  tomahawk  of  a  pursuing  savage 
poor,  noble,  generous  Baynton,"  he  continued,  mournfully;  '-to  him.  indeed, 
Claia.  are  you  indibted  for  your  life;  yet, was  it  purchased  at  the  price  of  hia 
own." 

Again  the  pained  and  aflectioruite  girl  wept  bitterly,  and  her  brother  pro- 
ceeded : — 

"The  strange  object  you  saw  on  the  lake,  my  love,  was  nothing  more  than 
K  cauoe  disguised  witli  leafy  bouuiis,  in  which  ijlu-  Everard  Valletort  and  mv- 
yt'!f  undo^'  the  guidance  of  old  Franvois  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis.  wliom  you  uuist 
recollect,  have  made  the  dangerous  passage  of  the  Sinclair  in  the  garb  of  duck 
liunlers, — which  latter  we  had  only  (lis<'arded  on  reaching  tlie  schooner,  in 
oi'iler  to  assujne  another  we  conceived  better  suited  to  our  jan-pose.  Alas  !'' 
and  he  struck  his  baud  violently  against  his  bi'ow, ''  had  we  made  directly  for 
ihi-  shore  without  touching  the  vessel  at  all,  tiiere  might  have  been  time  to 
save  tln«e  we  cauio  to  aiiprise  of  their  danger.  Do  you  not  think  theie  was, 
Valletort?'- 

"Most  assiu'cdly  not,"  returni.'d  his  companion,  anxious  to  remove  the  ini- 
]>ression  of  self-ldame  tiiat  existed  in  the  miud  of  Captain  <le  Ilahhmar. 
'•  Fi'oni  the  moment  of  our  ivaching  the  s(;l>ooner,  which  lav  immediately  in 
oui-  route,  to  that  wlicn  the  shout  was  I'aised  l)y  the  savages  as  they  rushed 
into  tlie  fort,  thei-e  was  scai'cely  an  i)itt'rval  of  three  minutes;  and  it  would 
have  required  a  longei'  period  to  have  enabled  us  to  gain  the  shore." 

'■Thank,  thank  you  for,  that!"  exclalir.ed  the  ollicer.  di-aw  ing  himself  up 
with  the  air  of  one  who  breathes  more  fieely.  "  I  woidd  not,  for  the  wealth 
and  honors  of  tlie  united  world,  tiiat  such  a  cau.se  for  self-reproach  should 
)ing(T  on  my  mind.  Hy  heaven !  it  would  break  my  heart  to  think  we  had 
been  in  time  to  save  them,  and  yet  iiad  lost  the  opportiuiity  through  even  ono 
moment  of  neglect."  Then  turning  once  more  to  his  sister. — '•  Now,  Clara, 
that  I  see  you  in  safety,  I  have  another  sacred  duty  to  perfoiiu.  1  nuist  leave 
you.  liut  not  alone." 

"What  mean  you,  Frederick  ?"  exclaimed  his  agitated  sister,  clinging  more 
closely  to  his  endu-ace.  '  Sea'  ^e  have  we  met,  and  you  talk  tf  leaving  nu; 
Ob   whithe?  would  you  ixoV' 

"  Surely,  m}'^  love,"  and  he  spoke  half  reproachfully,  although  with  tei  Jter- 
ncss  of  accent,  '"my  meaning  must  be  obvious.  Ihit  what  (lo  I  .say?  You 
know  it  not.  Jladeline  still  live;;.  "\Ve  saw  her.  as  we  pulled  towards  tho 
Hhore,  led  across  the  clearing  in  tho  diiection  of  Chabouiga.  Hear  me,  then: 
the  canoe  in  whi.h  we  came  is  still  towing  from  the  vessel's  stern,  and  in 
this  do  I  mean  to  '.n^baik,  without  fuilher  loss  of  time,  in  search  of  her 
who  is  dearer  to  Uie  tUan  existence.  I  '  j  ."  he  pursued  with  emotion, 
"I  have  but  little  hope  of  rescuing,  evei:  •  .  si'?-  eed  in  (hiding  her:  but 
at  least  I  shall  not  have  to  suller  under  the  seii  oproach  of  having  neglected 
the  only  chance  tljat  now  lies  within  my  reach.     If  she  be  doomed  to  die,  1 

};hall  then  have  nothing  left  to  live  for except  you.  Clara."  he  continued, 

after  a  pause,  pressing  the  weeping  girl  to  liis  heart,  us  he  remarked  hovf 
nukdi  she  seemed  pained  by  the  declaration. 

Having  placed  his  sister  once  more  on  the  couch,  and  covered  her  with 
a  cloak  that  had  been  bi-ought  from  the  cabin  of  the  unfortunate  commait<lor. 
Captain  de  Haidimar  now  lotm  from  Ids  humble  seat,  and  grasping  the  hand 
of  his  friend"— 


m 


I 


t  iJ'V 


'I 


[In 


1 
1  ^  ■ 

1 

1 

f 

> 

!     ( 


■u  M 


164 


WAC0U8TA,  OR,  THE  PE©1'HECY. 


"  Valletoi't,"  he  said,  "  I  commit  this  dear  girl  to  your  keeping.  Hitherto 
we  have  been  equal  shfirers  in  an  enterprise  having  for  its  object  the  pre- 
servation of  our  mutual  companions'  and  friends.  At  present,  mterests  of  a 
uiore  personal  nature  occupy  my  attention ;  and  to  these  must  I  devote 
mvself  alone.  I  trust  you  will  reach  Detroit  in  Hiitoiy  ;  and  when  you  have 
delivered  my  uulbrtunate  sister  into  the  arms  of  her  father,  you  will  sjiy  to 
him  from  me,  1  t-ould  uc*  -urvivo  the  loss  of  that  being  to  whom  I  bad 
sworn  eternal  fidelity  and  hJection.  Francois  must  be  my  only  companion 
on  this  occasion.  Nay,"  he  continued,  pointing  to  his  sister,  in  answer  to  the 
rising  remonstrance  of  the  baronet, '^ will  you  desert  the  piecious  charge  I 
have  confided  to  your  keeping  ?  Kecollect,  Valletort,"  in  a  more  Rubdiuvl 
tone.  "  that  besides  yourself,  there  will  be  none  near  her  but  rude  and  unedu- 
cated sailors  ; — honest  men  enough  in  their  way,  it  is  true ;  but  not  the  soil 
of  people  to  whom  I  should  like  to  confide  my  poor  sister." 

The  warm  ar  I  silent  pressure  by  Sir  Everard  of  his  hand  announced  hi? 
participation  in  the  sentiment ;  and  Captain  de  Haldimar  now  hastened  for- 
ward to  apprise  the  Canadian  of  his  purpose.  He  found  minv?  host  of  the 
Fleur  de  Lis  seated  in  tlie  forecastle  of  the  schooner ;  and  with  an  air  of  the 
jnost  peifect  unconcern  discussing  a  substantial  meal,  consieting  of  dried  im- 
cooked  venison,  raw  onions,  and  Indian  corn  bread,  the.  contents  of  a  larjie 
bag  or  wallet  that  lay  at  his  feet.  No  sooner,  however,  had  the  impatient 
otiicer  comnnmicated  liis  design,  asking  at  the  same  time  if  he  mi^ht  expect 
his  assistance  in  the  enterprise,  than  the  imfinished  meal  of  the  Canadian  was 
discontinued,  tlic  wallet  refilled,  and  the  large  greasy  clasp-knite  with  which 
the  portions  had  been  separated,  closed  and  thrust  into  a  pocket  of  his  blunk<'t 
ooat ! 

'•  I  shall  go  to  de  devils  for  you,  capitaine,  if  we  must,"  he  said,  as  he  raised 
his  portly  form,  not  without  eftbrt,  from  the  deck,  slapping  the  shoulder  of  the 
officer  at  ihe  same  time  somewhat;  rudely  with  his  hand.  There  was  nothing, 
however,  otfensively  familiar  in  this  action.  It  expressed  merely  the  devoted- 
ness  of  iieart  with  which  the  man  lent  himself  to  the  service  to  which  b*^  had 
pletlged  himself,  and  was  rather  complimentary  than  otherwise  t'*  Sim  to 
whom  it  was  directed.  Captain  de  Haldimar  took  it  in  the  light  in  which  we 
have  just  sliown  it.  and  he  grasped  and  shook  the  rough  band  of  the  Canadian 
with  an  earnestness  highly  gratifying  to  the  latter. 

Every  thing  was  now  in  readiness  for  their  departure.  The  canoo,  still 
'^vered  with  its  streaming  boughs,  was  drawn  close  up  to  the  gangway,  and 
a  lew  hasty  ncces.saries  thrown  in.  While  this  was  passing,  the  officr,  had 
again  assumed  his  disguise  of  a  duck-hunter ;  and  he  now  appeared  in  th« 
blanket  costume  in  which  we  introduced  Sir  Everard  and  himself  in  the  olev 
enth  chapter.  ,  „        . ,    , 

"  If  I  may  be  so  bold  as  to  put  in  my  oar,  your  honor," — said  tlte  veteran 
boatswain,  on  whom  the  command  of  the  schooner  had  fallen,  as  he  now  ad- 
vanced, rolling  his  ipiid  in  his  mouth,  and  dropping  his  hat  on  his  shoulder 
while  the  fingers  of  the  hand  which  clutched  it  were  busily  occupied  in 
scratching  his  bald  head,—"  if  I  may  bo  so  bold,  there  is  another  chap  her* 
as  might  better  serve  your  honor's  purpose  than  that  ere  fat  Canadian,  who 
seems  to  thhik  onlv  of  stuffing  while  his  bettors  are  fasting." 

"  And  who  is  he,'  my  ^ood  MuUins  ?"  asked  Captain  d«  Haldimar. 


WAC0U8TA,  ©K,  THE  PROPH*:«Y. 


1C5 


''Why,  that  *ore  Tnpan.  your  honor,  as  bejian  the  butchery  in  the  fort 
yonder,  by  trying  to  kill  Jack  Fuller  wliile  he  laid  asleep  this  moruinjj;,  wail 
ing  for  the  captain  in  the  jolly  boAt.  Jack  never  seed  him  coming;,  until  lie 
felt  his  black  hands  upon  his  throat,  and  then  he  up-^  with  the  tiller  at  liis 
noddle,  and  sends  him  Houuilenu.:  across  the  boat's  tliwints;  like  m  llat-fish.  I 
thoupht,  your  honor,  seeiuf^  as  h.r  I  have  got  the  comman<l  of  tlie  schoor.er, 
of  tying  him  up  to  the  mainmast,  «nd  giving  him  two  or  three  n)und  do/en 
•»r  so.  and  then  sending  him  to  swim  among  the  ma-icannungy  with  a  twenty- 
C.tur  pound  shot  in  his  neckcloth;  but,  seeing  as  how  your  honor  is  going 
among  them  savages  agin,  I  thougljt  as  how  some  good  might  be  done  with 
him,  if  your  honor  could  contrive  to  keep  ium  in  tow,  and  close  under  your 
It-e  quarter,  to  prevent  his  escape." 

"  At  all  events,"  r«turned  the  officer,  after  a  pause  of  some  moments,  dur- 
ing which  he  appeared  to  be  deliberating  on  his  course  of  action.  '*  it  may  be 
dangerous  to  keep  him  in  the  vessel ;  and  yet.  if  we  take  him  ashore  he  may 
be  the  means  of  our  more  immediate  destruction  ;  unless,  indeed,  as  you  observe, 
lie  can  be  so  secured  as  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  escape  ;  but  that  I  very 
umch  doubt  indeed.  Where  is  he,  Mullins  ?  I  should  like  to  see  and  ques- 
tion hiim." 

"  He  shall  be  up,  your  honor,  in  no  time,"  replied  the  sailor,  once  more  re- 
suming his  hat,  and  moving  a  pace  or  two  forward.  Then  addressing  two  or 
three  men  in  the  starboard : — "  Bear  a  hand  there,  my  men,  and  cast  off  the 
lashings  of  that  black  Ingian,  and  .send  him  aft  here,  to  the  otHcer." 

The  order  was  speedily  executed.  In  a  few  minutes  the  Indian  stood  on 
the  quarter-deck,  his  hands  firmly  secured  behind,  and  liis  head  sunk  upon 
his  chest  in  sullen  despondency.  In  the  increasing  gloom  in  which  object.'- 
were  now  gradually  becoming  more  and  more  indistinct,  it  was  impossible  for 
Captam  de  Haldimar  to  distinguish  his  features ;  but  there  was  j^omething  in 
the  outline  of  the  Indian's  form  that  impressed  him  with  the  conviction  he 
had  .seen  it  before.  Advancing  a  pace  or  or  two  forward,  he  pronounced,  in  an 
emphatic  and  audible  whisper,  the  name  of  "  Oucanasta !" 

'''he  Indian  gave  an  involuntary  start, — uttered  a  deep  interjcctional ''  Ugh!'' 
-and,  raising  his  head  from  his  chest,  fixed  his  eye  steadily  on  the  ollicer. 

"  Hookynaster  ! — Hookynaster  !"  growled  Jack  Fuller,  who  had  followed 
to  hear  the  examination  of  his  immediate  captive :  "  why,  your  honor,  that 
jaw-breaking  name  reminds  me  as  how  the  chap  had  a  bit  of  a  paper  when  I 
chucked  him  into  the  jolly-boat,  stuck  in  his  gii«lle.  It  was  coveied 
with  pencil-marks,  as  writing  like ;  but  all  wa 
such  sort  of  a  name  a?  tlwit." 

"  Where  is  it  ? — what  have  you  done  wich  it  ?"  hastily  asked  Captain  de 
Haldimar. 

"  Here,  in  my  backy-box,  your  honor.  I  kept  it  safe,  thinking  as  how  it 
might  sarve  to  let  us  know  all  about  it  afterwarcls." 

The  sailor  now  drew  from  the  receptacle  just  named  a  dirty  piece  of  folded 
paper,  deeply  impregnated  with  the  perfume  of  stale  and  oft  re-chewed  quids 
»f  coarse  tooacco ;  and  then,  with  the  air  of  one  conscious  of  having  "  ren- 
dered the  state  some  service,"  hitched  up  his  trowsers  with  one  baud,  while 
with  the  other  he  extended  the  ii,"portant  document. 

To  glance  his  eyo  hurriedly  over  che  paper  by  the  light  of  a  dark  lanthoi-n 
tkat  Ittd  meanwhile  been  brought  upon  deck,  unclasp  his  hunting-knife,  and 


over 
rubbed  out  agin,  except  some 


y>i. 


ill 


i'\ 


W!l 


I 


i  n 


!!li 


166 


v.'AcnrfSTA,  or.,  the  rr:'  piiecv, 


•iivido  Uie  I'f^afnjcs  of  tho  cn]ilivc.  and  then  warmly  press  his  lilicrat.vl  hn:i(li 
will)  liis  own,  Wfie    with  (\i|»i:iin  'k;  llaMiniar.  hut  tho  work  of  a  niiiiiitc. 

''  Ililloa  !  which  the  ilcvil  way  'li)e«  tho  wind  hlow  now  ?"  nuittcnvl  Fuller 
the  leer  of  self-satisliietion  that  had  hitherto  ))iayc(I  in  his  eye  rajiidly  giviiij; 
place  to  an  air  of  sei-iinisMi'.-:^  and  ^'ivjui'^!'  ,  an  o\i)ri'<~;ion  that  was  not  at  all 
•  liniini.shcd  hy  an  ohsci  vation  iKtni  ius  new  (■u.u.nauder. 

"  1  tell  you  what  it  is,  .fa<"k."  said  the  latter  inipressivolj' ;  "I  don't  pret<  im 
to  have  more  jiuniption  ((pi.  (Hscernnienl  ?)  than  ni^  messmates;  but  1  cim 
sec  throuf^h  a  nnilslono  as  clcai-  as  any  man  as  ever  heaved  a  lead  in  thcsu 
here  lakes ;  and  may  T  never  pipe  boatswain's  whistle  again,  if  you  nrn'l. 
KOme  how  or  other,  in  the  wi'on<j;  box.     That  'ere  Indian's  one  of  us !" 

The  feelings  of  Captain  de  Haldiniar  may  easily  be  coni])rehended  by  our 
readers,  when,  on  jilancins:  a*  the  paper,  he  found  himself  eonlirined  in  thv 
impression  previously  made  on  him  by  the  outline  of  the  cajitive's  form.  The 
writinj^,  nearly  obliierated  by  damp,  had  been  rudely  traced  by  liis  own  pci!- 
ci!,  on  a  leaf  toi-n  from  his  pocket-book  on  th<>  niaht  of  his  visit  to  the  Indian 
encunpment.  and  at  the  moment  when  seated  on  the  fatal  lo;;-,  Oncanasta  ha'l 
promised  her  assistance  in  at  least  res(aiin.;r  his  betrothed  bride.  They  were 
addressed  to  Majoj-  de  Ilaldimar.  and  bi-iefly  stated  that  a  treacherous  jjlaii 
was  in  contemplation  by  the  enemy  to  surprise  tlie  fort,  which  the  beater, 
Oiicanasta  (the  hitter  word  strongly  marked),  would  fully  explain,  if  slit 
could  possibly  obtain  access  within.  From  the  narrative  entered  iuKt  by 
Clara,  who  had  particularly  dwelt  on  the  emotions  of  fear  that  had  spreti:: 
up  in  her  own  and  cousin's  heart  by  the  sudden  transformation  of  a  supimsid 
hai'mless  beaver  into  a  fierce  and  threatenin,!Z'  savage,  he  had  no  dillieuhy 
in  ."iolving  the  enigma. 

The  Indian,  in  whom  he  had  recognised  the  young  chief  who  had  saveil  him 
from  the  fury  of  ^\'acousta.  had  evidently  been  won  upon  by  his  sister  u, 
pei'fnrm  a  .service  which  otfered  so  much  less  ddliculty  to  a  wMi'rior  than  to  a 
woman  ;  ami  it  was  clear,  that,  finding  all  other  means  of  comnnniicatien 
with  the  fort,  undiscovered  by  his  own  people,  imprru-ticable.  he  had  availeij 
hiniself  of  the  oj)portunity.  when  he  saw  the  boat  on  the  stiand.  to  assmne  a 
disguise  so  well  adapted  to  insui'e  success.  It  was  no  ivmarkable  thing  to 
see  both  the  beaver  and  the  otter  moving  on  the  calm  surface  of  the  waters 
in  the'  vicinity  of  tho  forts,  even  at  mid-day  ;  and.  occupied  as  the  Indifiiis 
were,  to  a  mtm,  at  that  moment  with  their  cruel  projects,  it  was  by  no  nieai'S 
likely  that  theii-  attention  should  have  lieen  called  oil'  from  these  to  so  ap- 
parently unimportant  a  cii'cumstance.  The  act  that  had  princii)ally  a!a?viu<! 
the  cousins,  and  tei'minated.  as  we  have  seen,  in  the  sudden  attack  of  tho 
sailor,  had  evident!}'  been  misconceived  'J'he  hand  supj)Osed  to  be  feeiiu'.-  f^r 
the  heart  of  the  sluggard,  had.  in  all  probability,  been  placed  on  his  clu  st  \\i:li 
a  view  to  arouse  him  from  his  shnnber;  while  that  which  was  believeii  in 
Itave  been  dropped  to  the  handle  of  tiie  knife,  was.  in  reality,  merely  seekiiiv- 
the  paper  that  contained  the  announcement,  which,  if  tficn  delivered.  mii;lit 
have  saved  the  garrison. 

Such  was  the  train  of  conjecture  that  now  passed  through  the  mind  of  tlit; 
officer;  but,  although  he  thus  placed  the  conduct  of  the  Indian  in  the  most 
favorable  light,  his  impression  received  no  confirmation  from  the  lips  of  the 
latter.  Sullen  and  doggedly,  notwithstanding  the  release  fi-om  his  bonds,  the 
Ottawa  hung  his  head  upon  his  chest,  with  his  e^es  riveted  on  the  deck,  and 


WACOUSTA,  OR.  tTtf.  PrOPITirCY.  -tp** 

oT)stInately  refused  to  answer  every  qnostfon  p;.t  to  him  hy  his  flelivoror.  Thi-., 
however,  did  not  the  loss  tend  to  coufirni  ('ajitjiin  du  Ilaldiniar  in  his  belief. 
Ho  knev:  enonj^h  of  the  Indian  cliiirnrtcr  to  understand  the  in(h'j;nant  and 
evon  rovenj;crid  sjiirit  likely  to  he  aroused  l»y  tlio  tieatnient  the  savage  ha., 
met  with  m  redini  for  his  intended  sei'viees.     Ili-  ".as  aware  that,  without 
))ausinjr  to  relleet  on   llie  fart  that  the  sailor,  ignorant  of  Ins  actual  purpose, 
could  merely  have  seen  in  him  ni  enemy  in  l!ie  act  of  attempting;  his  life,  th 
chief  woal<l  oniv  con.sider  ami  inllame  himself  over  the  rero1k";tion  of  thw 
bl()>'  I'lflicted;  and  that,  with  the  true  obstinacy  of  his  race,  he  wnuld  rather 
eul!'-"'  captivity  or  death  itself,  than  humble  the  haughty  pride  of  his  nature, 
bv  condescending  to  an  explanation  with  tliose  by  whom  he  felt  himself  ao 
deeply  injured.     Still,  even  amid  all  his  own  personal  f^riefs. — griefs  that  ren- 
dered the  boon  in  some  deuree  at  present  valueless, — Captain  de  Haldima" 
could  not  forget  that  the  youth,  no  matter  l)y  what  motive  induced,  had  res- 
cued him  from  a  dreadfui  death  an  a  previous  occasion.     With  the  generouf* 
warmth,  therefoi-e.  of  a  grateful  mind,  he  now  .sought  to  nnpress  on  the  In 
dian  the  deep  .sen.se  of  obligation  under  which  he  lahoi'ed  ;  explaining  at  the 
same  time  the  very  natural  enor  into  which  the  .sailor  had  fallen,  and  con- 
cluding with  a  declaration  that  he  was  free  to  cpiit  the  ves.sel  in  the  canoe  hi 
which  he  himself  '"as  about  to  taUe  his  departure  for  the  shore,  in  search  of 
her  \vhoin  his  sister  had  ])lcdged  her-^eif  at  all  hazards,  to  save. 

The  address  of  the  officer,  touching  and  impicssivc  as  language  ever  is  that 
comes  from  the  heart,  was  not  altogether  without  effect  on  the  Indian.  Several 
times  he  intenaipted  him  with  a  slioit,  (pi'ck,  approving  "  Ugh  !"  and  when  he 
at  length  received  the  assurance  that  he  was  no  longer  a  prisoner,  he  raiseii 
his  eyes  rapidly,  although  without  moving  his  head,  to  the  countenance  of  his 
deliverer.  Already  were  his  lips  ojjoning  to  sjvcak  for  the  fir.st  time,  when  the 
attenti:m  of  the  group  aroimd  him  was  arrested  by  his  giving  a  sudden  start 
of  surprise.  At  the  same  moment  he  raised  hi.s  head,  stretched  his  neck 
threw  forward  liis  right  ear,  and,  uttering  a  loud  and  emphatic  "Waughl"* 
pointed  with  his  Ihiger  over  the  bows  of  the  vessel. 

All  listi'ned  for  upv/ards  of  a  n»n\ite  in  mute  suspense;  and  thenafaintand 
scai'cely  distinguishable  .sound  was  heard  in  the  direction  in  which  he  pointed. 
Scarcely  had  it  iloated  on  the  air,  when  a  shiill.  loud,  and  prolonged  cry,  of 
peculiar  tendency,  burst  hun'i(  ^!!3'  and  tag'.'ily  from  tlie  lips  of  the  captive  j 
and,  spreading  over  the  Ijroacl  expanse  of  water,  seemed  to  be  re-echoed  back 
from  every  point  of  the  snn-ounding  shoi-e. 

Great  was  the  confusion  that  Ibllowed  this  startling  yell  on  the  decks  of  the 
schooner.  "  Cut  the  hell-tiend  down  !" — ''  tHiuck  him  overboard !" — "  We  are 
betra3'^ed !" — "  Every  man  to  his  gun  !" — '•  Put  the  craft  about !"  were  among  the 
numerous  exclamations  that  now  rose  sinniitaneousl}'-  fiom  at  least  twenty 
lips,  and  almost  drowned  the  loud  shriek  that  burst  a^  Ju  from  the  wretched 
Clain  de  Haldimar. 

"  Stop,  Mullins! — Stop,  m.en  !"  .vhonted  Captain  de  Haldimar,  firmly,  as  the 
exf 'ted  boatswain,  with  two  oi-  three  of  his  companions,  now  advanced  with 
th  •  intention  of  laying  violent  hands  on  the  ln»lian.  "  1  will  answer  for  hid 
fi'  ".lity  with  my  life.  If  he  be  ftxlse,  it  will  be  time  enough  to  punish  him 
»  jrwards;  but  let  us  calmly  await  the  issue  like  men.  Hear  me,"  he  pro- 
(    dod,  as  he  remarked  their  incredulous,  uncertain,  and  still  threatening  air ) 


Hi 

m 


m 

;;fj 

M 

i  si 

I 


M 


IL 


\l 


\ 


I 


I 


m 


1C8 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  rnoPHl«T. 


"tliis  Indian  saved  'ne  fiom  the  tomahawks  of  his  tribe  not  a  week  ago;  and. 
even  now,  he  ^  b<«;ome  our  captive  in  the  act  of  takinj?  a  note  from  me  to 
the  garrison  i.  v.n  .  »ni  of  their  danger.  But  for  that  shun>)oring  fool."  lie 
added,  bitterly,  vnt.ng  t^  Fuller,  who  slept  when  he  should  have  watched, 
"yon  fort  would  not  hiiv;  » ..en  what  it  is, — a  mass  of  smoking  ruins.  lie  has 
an  ocean  of  blood  upon  his  soul,  that  all  the  waters  of  the  Huron  can  lu'ver 
wash  out !" 

Struck  by  the  vehement  manner  of  the  officer,  and  thr  disclosure  >e  had 
just  made,  fhe  .sailors  sunk  once  more  into  inaction  and  silence.  The  boat- 
swain alone  spoke. 

"  I  thought,  your  honor,  as  how  Jack  Fuller,  who  sartainly  is  a  better  hand 
at  a  .snoo/'.'  than  a  watch,  had  got  in  a  bit  of  a  mess ;  but,  shiver  my  topsails, 
if  I  think  it's  quite  fair  to  blame  him,  neither,  for  clapping  a  stopper  on  the 
Ingian's  cable,  seeing  as  how  he  was  expecting  a  shot  between  wind  and  water 
Still,  as  the  chap  turns  out  to  be  an  honest  chap,  and  has  saved  your  hrnor', 
life  above  all,  I  don't  much  care  if  I  give  him  a  grip.  Here,  old  fellow,  ti|>  n* 
vour  list !' 

Without  seeming  to  understand  that  his  cry  had  been  productive  of  generaJ 
and  intense  alarm  throughout  the  vessel,  the  Indian  had  viewed  the  suddi-n 
rushing  of  the  crew  towards  him  as  an  act  of  gratuitous  hoslilh' ;  and,  with- 
out shrinking  from  the  attack,  had  once  more  resumed  his  oiigui..!  air  of  dot»- 
ged  sullennoss.  It  was  evident  to  him,  from  the  discussion  going  on  that  some 
violence,  about  to  l)e  ottered  to  his  person,  had  only  been  prevented  by  the  in- 
terference of  the  officer.  With  the  natural  haughtiness  of  his  savage  nature, 
he  therefore  rejected  ihe  overtures  ef  the  sailor,  whose  hand  he  had  observed 
among  the  first  that  were  raised  against  him. 

While  the  angry  boatswain  was  yet  rolling  his  quid  within  his  capacious 
jaws,  racking  his  brain  for  the  strongest  language  wherein  to  give  vent  to  his 
mdignution.  his  ears  were  suddenly  saluted  by  a  low  but  clear  "  Hilloa !"  from 
the  bows  of  the  schooner. 

''  Ay,  ay  !"  was  the  brief  response. 

''  Tiiere's  something  approaching  us  ahead,  on  the  weather  fore  quarter," 
continued  the  same  voice,  which  was  that  of  the  man  on  the  look-out. 

The  most  profound  silence  now  pervaded  the  deck.  Every  individual,  in- 
cluding Captain  de  Ilaldimar  and  the  bpatswain,  had  flown  to  the  gangway  of 
the  (juarter  indicated,  which  was  on  the  side  occupied  by  the  couch  of  the  un- 
fortunate Clara.  Presently  a  noise  like  that  produced  by  a  single  paildle 
rapidly  dividing  the  water,  was  heard  by  every  anxious  ear.  Night  had  long 
since  thrown  her  mantle  over  the  surrounding  waste  ;  and  all  that  was  to  bu 
seen  nflected  from  the  bosom  of  the  gradually  darkening  river,  scarcely  ruffled 
by  the  yet  incipient  breeze,  were  a  few  straggling  stars,  that  here  and  there 
appeared  in  the  overcast  heavens.  Hitherto  no  object  could  be  discovered  by 
those  who  strainc<l  their  eyes  eagerly  and  painfully  through  the  gloom,  al- 
though the  sounds  oecame  at  each  moment  more  distinct.  It  was  evident  the 
party,  guided  by  the  noise  of  the  rippling  waves  that  fell  from  the  bows  of  the 
Bchoo'.ier,  w;is  enabled  to  follow  up  a  course,  the  direct  clue  to  which  had  been 
indicated  by  the  cry  of  the  captive.  Every  man  stood  near  his  gun  on  the 
starboard  battery,  and.  the  burning  matches  hanging  over  their  respective 
buckets  ready  to  be  seized  at  a  moment's  notice.    Still,  but  little  room  for  {jlw 


W'ACOUSTA,  OR,  TIIK  PROPHKCT. 


eek  ago ;  and. 
ote  from  me  to 
)eiing  fool."  lie 

have  watched. 

ruins.  IIo  has 
uron  can  iiever 

iclosure  >c  had 
ce.     Thfc  boat- 

3  a  better  hand 
er  ray  topsails, 
stopper  on  the 
'ind  and  water 
d  your  hr.nor'. 
d  fellow,  tip  lu 

otive  of  generw 
•cU  the  sudden 
♦^v ;  and,  wiih- 
iiud  air  of  do[»- 
g  on  that  some 
in  ted  by  the  in- 
1  savage  nature. 
le  had  observed 

1  his  capaciouii 
give  vent  to  hi.s 
"  Hilloa !"  from 


r  fore  quarter," 
ok-out. 

y  individual,  m- 
the  gangway  of 
ouch  of  the  un- 
a  single  paddle 
Night  had  long 
that  was  to  bt 
scarcely  rulHed 
here  and  there 
e  discovered  by 
1  the  glwoni,  al- 
was  evident  the 
the  bows  of  the 
which  had  been 
his  gun  on  the 
their  respective 
tie  room  for  uy- 


169 


prehension  existed :  fbr  the  i»racti8ed  ear  of  the  mariners  could  easily  tell  that 
a  solitary  bark  alone  approached ;  and  of  one.  or  even  ten,  they  entertaine<l  no 
Rar,  Suddenly,  as  the  course  of  the  ves.sel  was  now  changed  a  jjoint  to  wind- 
ward.— a  movement  that  brought  her  bows  more  off  the  adjacent  shoie, — the 
sounil,  in  which  all  were  more  or  less  interested,  was  heard  whi  more  (bun 
twenty  yurds  oH".  and  in  a  line  with  the  gangway  at  wh'-  h  the  principal  of  the 
crew  were  assembled.  In  the  next  minute  the  low  1  d  « **  a  canoe  came  in 
sight,  and  then  a  tall  and  solitary  human  figure  was  seta  '  the  stem,  bend- 
ing alternately  to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  as  the  pad  le  w.s  rapidly  and  suo- 
lessively  changed  from  side  to  side. 

An«»tber  deep  and  exidting  "  Ugh  !"  was  now  heaved  from  the  chest  of  the 
Indian,  wlio  stoo<l  calmly  on  the  spot  on  which  he  hi  ^  at  first  rested,  while 
Fuller  jireparcd  a  coil  of  rope  to  throw  to  the  acti'  ^  steersman. 

"  Avast  there,  Jack !"  growled  the  boaU'.vain,  a  ressing  the  sailor ;  "  how 
ran  the  stranger  keep  the  bow  of  his  craft  on,  and  grapple  at  the  same  timel 
Jiibt  pass  one  end  of  the  coil  round  your  waist,  and  swing  yourself  gently  into 
her." 

The  head  of  the  canoe  was  now  near  enough  for  the  pmpose.  The  sailor  did 
as  he  was  desired,  having  previously  divested  himself  of  his  shoes,  and  leaping 
forward,  alighted  on  what  appeared  to  him  to  be  a  bundle  of  blankets  stowwl 
away  in  her  bows.  No  sooner,  however,  had  he  secured  his  footing,  when 
with  another  desperate  leap,  and  greatly  to  the  astonishment  of  all  around  b** 
bounded  once  more  to  the  deck  of  the  schooner,  his  countenance  exhibiting 
every  mark  of  superstitious  alarm.  In  the  act  of  (]uitting  the  canoe  he  hid 
Bpurned  her  Kcveral  feet  from  the  vessel.  \*hich  the  silent  steersman  was  afrt'i 
uakine:  every  elibrt  to  reach 

•*  Why,  what  the  devil's  the  matter  with  you  now  ?"  exclaimed  tha  rough 
ocatswain,  who,  as  well  as  Captain  de  llaldimar  and  the  rest  of  the  .irew,  had 
ijintted  the  gangway  to  learn  thecau.se  of  this  extraordinary  conduct.  "Damn 
my  e}es,  if  yoti  ar'nt  worse  scared  than  when  the  Ingian  stoofl  over  you  in 
the  jolly  boat." 

"  Scared,  ay,  to  be  sure  I  am ;  and  so  would  you  be  scared  too.  if  vou  'd  a 
see'd  what  I  did.  May  I  never  touch  the  point  at  Portsn»outh,  if  I  a'n't  seen 
her  ghoat." 

••  Where? — whose  ghost? — what  ghost? — what  do  you  mean.  Jack?"  ex- 
claimed several  men  in  the  same  breath,  while  the  superstitious  dread  so  com- 
Hion  to  mariners  drew  them  still  closer  in  the  group  that  encircled  their  com 
panion. 

*'  Well,  then,  as  I  am  a  miserable  sinner,"  returned  the  man.  impressively, 
and  in  a  low  tone,  "  I  see'd  in  the  bows  of  the  canoe, — and  the  hand  that 
steered  it  was  not  made  of  flesh  and  blood  like  ours, — what  do  you  think  ? — 
the  ghost  of " 

Captain  de  llaldimar  heard  no  more.  At  a  single  bound  he  ha<i  gained  the 
ship's  side.  He  strained  his  eyes  anxiously  over  the  gangway  in  search  of 
the  canoe,  but  it  was  gone.  A  death-like  silence  throughout  the  deck  foUow- 
•il  the  communication  of  the  sailor,  and  in  that  pause  the  sound  of  the  reced- 
ing boat  could  be  heard,  not  urged,  as  it  had  approached,  by  one  paddle, 
but  by  two.  The  heart  of  the  officer  throbbed  almost  to  suffocation  ;  and  his 
firmness,  hitherto  supported  by  the  manly  energies  of  nature,  now  failed  him 


I 

''i 


■    fit ' 


1    :f! 


r  J: 


1 

^H 

^HH" 

^^V  ^ 

akK' 

I 


i 


I 


;j7()  V.'Af,'Or:?TA,  OR,  TIITJ  ri^oniKCY. 

quite,  "ni'odloss  of  appearances,  rcgarcllcss  of  iK-ln,;;  ovprToolxod,  lie  tottered 
like  a  (liuiikeii  man  for  support  a'j;ainst  the  inMininiist.  For  a  moment  or  two 
he  leant  liis  head  upon  his  hand,  with  the  air  of  one  inunerscfl  in  the  most 
profound  ahstraction  ;  while  ihccrew,  at  once  ahmned  and  touehcd  Ity  the 
fleoj)  (hstress  into  whirh  this  mysterious  rircinnstancc  hail  plunged  him.  stt.od 
HdL'Utly  and  re>p(>('tful!y  watching  his  eiuolion.  Suddenly  he  started  fimn 
his  attitude  of  painful  repose,  like  one  awakening  from  a  <lream.  and  demamlcd 
what  had  heeome  of  the  Indian. 

Every  one  looked  around,  but  the  captive  was  no  where  to  >)e  seen.  Sean  h 
was  made  below,  both  in  the  cabin  and  in  the  fore  decks,  and  men  were  scut 
up  aloft  to  see  if  he  had  secreted  himself  m  the  rigginp:;  but  all  n'tnrtird. 
stating  he  was  no  where  to  be  found.  lie  had  disappeared  froin  the  vissd 
altogether,  j'et  no  one  knew  how ;  for  he  had  not  been  observed  to  stir  from 
the  spot  on  which  he  had  first  planted  himself.  It  was  plain  however,  he  Ii;iil 
joined  the  mysterious  party  in  the  canoe,  from  the  fact  of  the  second  paddh; 
having  been  detected  ;  and  all  attempt  at  pursuit,  without  endangeriii;^'  the 
vcs.sei  on  the  sliallows.  whither  the  <'()ui-.se  of  the  fu;j;itives  was  now  directed, 
was  dcclare<l  by  the  boatswain  utterly  impractical  do. 

The  "n'iounc(>ment  of  the  Indian's  disappearance  scciii,  '  to  put  the  clininy 
to  the  111  spau-  of  the  unfortunate  oilicer.  "  Then  is  our  ever}  hope  lost !"  lie 
groaned  aloud,  a.s.  quitting  the  centre  of  the  v^^sel.  he  slowlv  traver-^cd  tho 
deck,  and  once  more  stood  at  the  side  of  his  no  le.ss  uidiapi)V  and  excited  sis- 
ter. For  a  moment  or  two  he  remained  with  his  arms  fohleci  a«TOss  his  chest. 
gazing  on  the  dark  outline  of  her  form  ;  and  then,  in  a  wild  i)aroxysiii  of 
silent,  tearless  grief,  tlirevv  himself  s>iddenly  on  the  edge  of  tlie  couch,  ami 
cia.sping  her  in  a  long  close  cnd)race  to  his  audibly  V)eating  heart,  lay  like  one 
bereft  of  all  sense  and  consciousness  of  surrounding  objects. 


CHAPTER  XXn. 

The  night  passed  away  without  further  event  on  board  the  schooner.  t*» 
te  ftU  the  anxiety  that  might  be  supposed  incident  to  men  so  perilouslf  situfct 
ed.  Habits  of  long  since  acquired  superstition,  too  jiowerful  to  be  easily  shaK 
en  off.  moreover,  contributed  to  the  dejection  of  the  mariners,  amon^"  whnn 
there  were  not  wanting  those  who  believed  the  silent  steersman  was  in  lealitv 
what  their  comrade  had  represented. — an  immaterial  being,  .^ent  from  ili« 
world  of  spirits  to  warn  them  of  some  impending  evil.  What  principaiiv 
[ijave  weight  to  this  impression  were  the  repeated  asseverations  of  luUer. 
during  the  sleeplCvSS  night  pas.sed  by  all  on  deck,  that  what  he  had  seen 
was  no  other,  could  be  no  other,  than  a  gho.st!  exhibiting  in  its  hueless, 
ileshless  cheeks,  the  well  known  lineaments  of  one  who  was  supposed  to  be  no 
more;  and,  if  the  story  of  their  comrade  had  needed  confirmation  among  men 
in  whom  faith  in,  rather  than  love  for.  the  marvellons  was  a  constitutional  in- 
gredient, the  terrible  effect  that  seemed  to  have  been  produced  on  Captain  de 
Haldimar  by  the  same  mysterious  visitation  would  have  been  more  than  con- 
clusive.   The  very  appearance  of  the  night,  too,  favored  the  delusion.    The 


WACOUSTA,  OK,  TllJi  morilECY. 


in 


0(1.  lie  tottered 
nonient  or  two 
0(1  in  the  mn<\ 
toiirhod  l»y  the 
i;;c(l  him.  siood 
e  start 0(1  IVdin 
,  anddoinaiKlid 

>c  scon.  Sonnli 
mon  won-  sent 
it  nil  it'tiijiii (|, 
t'roni  tlio  vessel 
vod  to  stir  ri(»iii 
lowi'vor.  1)0  !i;i(l 
?  socoiKJ  paddle 
■iidaii};eriiiL!,-  llio 
■s  now  diructi.'fl, 

t  put  tlio  Hitiiiiy 

hope  lost  !''  lie 

\'  traversed  tliu 

and  oxcitod  sis- 

aoross  his  ohcst. 

d  pai-oxysiii  of 

tlie  couch,  and 

iart,  lay  jiko  one 


ic  schooner,  tw 
)erilous!rsitii&t 

0  bo  easily  sliak 
s.  anionp  whom 
11  was  in  u-alirv 
,  sont  from   ih'n 
niat  prini-'i]«ailv' 
tions   of  Kiillcr, 
lat  ho  had  seen 
in  its  huoless, 
pposed  to  ho  no 
tion  amon^'  men 
onstitutionai  in- 
d  on  Captain  de 
more  than  con- 
delusion.    The 


heavens,  comparatively  clear  at  the  moment  when  the  canoe  approached  the 
vi'ssi'l.  hecamc  suddenly  enveloped  in  the  deepest  ^doom  at  its  departure,  as  if 
to  enshroud  the  course  of  those  A'ho,  havini:;  so  mystoriou.sly  approached,  bad 
also  so  unacconntal)ly  di;'appoaro(i.  Nor  had  this  throafeninj^  state  of  the  at- 
mosphere the  coii!iti'jl':i!an"iTi<r  advnnta'jc  of  storm  and  temnest  to  drive  them 
onward  thiou;ih  the  lu.i  icw  waters  of  the  Sinclair,  and  eiiahle  them,  by  anli- 
cipatinj;'  the  pursuit  of  their  enoinies,  to  shun  the  Scylla  and  Charbydis  that 
awaited  their  more  leisure  advance.  The  wind  iucreasotl  not;  and  the  disap- 
pointed seamen  remarked,  with  dismay,  that  their  craft  scarcely  made  more 
piogre.ss  than  at  that  motwent  when  she  llrst  (piitted  her  anchorage. 

It  was  now  near  the  first  hours  of  day;  and  although,  perhaps,  none  slept. 
th(,'ro  were  few  who  were  not  ai)jiaiently  at  rest  and  plunjied  in  the  most 
painfid  rollections.  Still  occupyiuu:  her  humble  couch,  and  .shielded  from  the 
ni<;ht  air  merely  by  the  cloak  that  covered  her  own  blood-stained  £>;arments. 
lay  the  unhappy  ('lara.  her  deep  jiiroans  and  stilled  .sobs  burstin^r  occasionaiiv 
from  her  pent-up  heart,  aii'l  fallinj;  on  the  oars  of  the  mariners  like  sounds  of 
fearful  imjtort.  produced  by  the  mysterious  aponcy  that  already'  held  such 
iinilivided  power  over  Iheir  tl.(".i«!,hts.  On  the  bare  deck,  at  her  side,  lay  Ik  r 
brother,  his  face  turned  u])on  the  planks,  as  if  to  shut  out  all  objects  from 
eyes  he  had  not  the  jtower  to  close;  and.  with  one  arm  su|>porting^  liis  heavv 
brow,  while  the  other.  aiA.  arouiul  the  restless  form  of  his  beloved  sister, 
seemed  to  oiler  prote(;tion  and  to  impart  conddenco,  oven  w  bile  his  lijxi  denied 
the  accents  of  consolation.  Sealed  on  an  omjtty  hen-coop  at  their  head,  was 
Sir  Everard  Vaih.'tort,  his  back  reposintj;  against  the  bulwarks  of  the  vessel. 
hie  arms  folded  across  his  chest,  and  his  eyes  bent  mechanicafly  on  the  man 
at  the  helm,  who  stood  within  a  few  paces  of  him. — an  attitude  of  absorption. 
which  ho,  ever  and  anon,  clianged  to  one  of  anxious  and  i-nqniring  interest, 
whenever  the  agitation  of  Clai-a  was  manifested  in  the  manner  already  shown. 

The  main  deck  and  forecastle  of  the  vessel  presented  a  similar  picture  of 
mingled  uiujnietnoss  and  i'e]i(ise.  Many  of  the  sonnien  might  be  seen  .seated 
oil  the  gun-carriages,  with  tlu'ir  cheeks  pressing  tlu;  rude  metal  that  served 
them  Ibi'  a  pillow.  Others  lay  along  the  decks,  with  their  lieads  resting  on 
the  elevated  hatches  ;  while  not  a  f^'W,  S(]uatted  on  their  h.aunches  with  their 
knees  doubled  up  to  their  very  chins,  supported  in  tli.'.t  position  the  aching 
head  that  rested  between  their  rough  and  horny  palms.  A  first  glance  might 
ha\e  induced  the  belief  that  all  were  bu)'ied  in  tlie  most  profound  .sluml>er; 
but  the  quick  jerking  of  a  limb. — the  fitful,  suck'en  shifting  of  a  |)ositi(»n.-- 
the  utter  absence  of  that  deep  breathing  which  indicates  the  unconscittusnoss 
of  repose,  only  required  to  be  noticed,  to  prove  the  living  silence  that  reigned 
throughout  was  not  born  either  of  apathy  or  .sloej). 

At  the  gangway  at  which  the  canoe  h;id  approached  now  .stood  tlie  indivi'' 
jnl  already  nitroduced  to  our  readers  as  .Tack  Fuller.  The  same  superstitions 
t».^iror  th.'it  cau^ed  his  flight  had  once  more  attracted  liim  to  the  spot  whore 
tlie  wbject  of  his  alarm  first  appeared  to  him  ;  and.  without  seeming  to  reflect 
that  the  vessel,  in  her  slow  but  certain  progress,  had  left  all  vestige  of  tlw 
mysterious  vi:-itor  behind,  he  continued  gazing  over  the  bulwarks  on  (he  dark 
waters,  as  if  he  expected  at  each  moment  to  find  his  sight  stricken  by  tha 
same  appallin<r  vision.  It  was  at  the  moment  w'heii  he  had  worked  up  hia 
naturally  dull  imagination  to  its  highest  perception  of  the  supernatiu'al,  that 


Ml 


m 


I 


% 


m 


i '  III 

H 
I  ill) 


172 


WICOUSTA,  «R,  THE  MOPHKOT. 


be  WM  joined  by  the  ru^gu<l  boatswain,  who  had  paotod  the  greater  port  of 
the  night  in  pacing  up  and  down  the  duoks,  watching  the  aspect  of  the  heav- 
ens, and  occasionally  tauting  a  rope  or  squaring  a  ligltt  yard,  unassisted,  as 
the  fluttering  of  the  canvass  in  the  wind  rendered  the  alteration  necessary. 

"  Well,  Jack  !"  Ii'untly  ohsiTvefl  the  latter  in  n  p-nifr  wli'spcr  that  resem- 
bled the  suppressed  growling  ul'  a  luastitl',  "  whal  are  ye  Uiinknijr  of  now  ?»> 
Not  got  over  your  fluinbustificntion  yet,  that  ye  stand  here,  *ooking  as  sano 
tiHetl  as  an  old  parson  !" 

"  I'll  tell  ye  what  it  is,  Mr.  Mullins,"  rctnrne<l  the  sailor,  in  the  same  key  ; 
'  you  may  make  as  much  game  on  me  us  you  like  ;  hut  these  here  strani^u 
H*  rt  of  doings  are  somehow  quiz/.ical ;  and,  though  I  fears  nothing  in  the 
sliiipe  of  flesh  and  blood,  still,  when  it  comes  to  having  to  do  with  those  as  is 
gone  to  Davy  Jones's  locker  like,  it  gives  a  fellow  an  all-overishness  as  isn^t 
quite  the  thing.     Yoti  understand  n»e  ?" 

••  Hang  me  a  I  do  I"  was  the  brief  rejoinder. 

"  Well,  then,"  continued  Fuller,  ''  if  I  must  out  with  it,  1  nuist.  T  think 
tliat  'ere  Ingian  must  have  been  the  devil,  or  how  could  he  come  so  su<l(len 
and  inibeknownst  upon  me,  with  the  head  of  a  'possum :  and  then  agin,  how 
(•«>uld  he  get  away  from  the  craft  without  our  seeing  him  ?  and  how  came  the 
ghost  on  board  of  the  canoe  ?" 

"  Ava.st there,  old  fellow;  you  means  not  the  head  of  a  'possinn,  but  a 
bt'aver:  but  that 'ere's  all  nat'ral  enough,  and  easily 'counted  forj  but  you 
huvn't  told  us  whose  ghost  it  was,  after  all." 

"  No ;  the  captain  made  such  a  spring  to  the  gunwale,  as  frightened  it  all 
out  of  my  head :  but  come  closer,  Mr.  Mullins,  and  I'll  whisper  it  in  your 
ear.    Ilarkt  what  was  that?" 

"  I  hears  nothing,"  said  the  boatswain,  after  a  pause. 

"  It's  very  odd,"  continued  Fuller;  "  but  I  thought  as  how  I  heard  it  seve- 
ral times  afore  you  came." 

•'  There's  something  wrong,  I  take  it,  in  your  upper  story,  Jack  Fuller," 
coolly  observed  his  companion  ;  "  that  'ere  ghost  has  quite  capsized  vou," 

•  flark,  again  !"  repeated  the  sailor.  "Didn't  you  hear  it  then?  A  sort 
of  a  groan,  like." 

•'  Where,  in  what  part?"  calmly  demanded  the  boatswain,  though  in  the 
same  suppressed  tone  in  which  the  dialogue  had  been  carried  on. 

'^  *Vhy,  fVom  the  canoe  that  lies  alongside  there.  I  heard  it  several  times 
afore.*' 

"  Wei),  if  you  am't  turned  a  real  coward  at  last,"  politely  remarked  Mr. 
Mullins.  "  Can't  the  poor  fat  devil  of  a  r^anadian  snooze  a  bit  in  his  huin- 
mm*k,  withtmt  putting  you  so  completely  out  of  your  reckoning  ?" 

"The  Caradian — the  Canadian!"  hurriedly  returned  Fuller:  "  why,  do^'.'t 
you  see  him  there,  leaning  with  his  back  to  the  mainmast,  and  as  fast  asleep 
u,  if  the  dexil  himself  couldn't  wake  him  7" 

"  Thtr  't  was  the  devil  you  heard,  if  you  like,"  quaintly  retorted  Mullins 
"  but  bear  a  hand  and  tell  us  all  about  this  here  ghost." 

"  Hark,  again !  what  was  that  ?"  once  more  enquired  the  excited  sailor. 

"  Only  a  gust  of  wind  parsing  through  the  dried  boughs  of  the  canoe."  said 
the  boatswain ;  "  but  since  we  can  get  nothing  out  of  that  crazed  aoddle  of 
yours,  see  if  you  can't  do  something  with  your  hands.  That  'ere  canoe  nm- 
niug  along  side,  takes  half  a  knot  off  the  ship's  way.    Bear  a  hand  then, 


■eater  part  of 
;  of  the  heav- 
uiiaHsistod,  m 
necessary. 
T  that  rcscm- 
i;^  of  now  ?— 
king  as  sano- 

he  same  kov  ; 
here  8tran.i,'o 
othins  in  the 
ith  those  as  \h 
muss  as  isnH 


nist.  T  think 
ne  so  su<l(ion 
hen  apin,  how 
how  came  the 

wssuin,  but  It 
for;  but  you 

ghtened  it  all 
ler  it  in  your 


heard  it  sevo- 

Jack  Fuller," 
izcd  vou." 
then  7    A  sort 

though  in  the 
I. 
several  times 

remarked  Mr. 
t  in  his  hum- 
J?" 

:  "  Why,  do»<'t 
as  fast  asleep 

tried  Mullius 

ited  sailor. 
he  canoe."  said 
ized  coddle  of 
'ere  canoe  run- 
a  hand  then, 


^\•A(  orsTA,  oi;.  Tin:  rKoniKcY. 


173 


and  cast  ofT  the  painter,  ai^t'  lot  her  drop  astarn  that  she  may  follow  In  our 
wake.     Ililloa !  what's  the  taattcr  with  the  tnim  now  7" 

And  well  might  he  ask.  W"  h  his  oyo-bnlls  starinjr  his  teeth  c Wtcrinn 
his  body  half  bent,  and  his  arms  thrown  forwiml.  yet  pendent  us  .f  KudicnU 
arrested  in  that  position  while  in  the  act  of  reaching;  the  rone,  the  terrifiell 
Miilor  stood  {-azing  on  the  stern  of  the  canoe ;  in  whi(;h,  by  tlie  faint  light  of 
the  dawning  lay,  was  to  be  seen  an  object  well  calculated  to  till  the  least  sii- 
liirstitious  heart  with  horror  and  dismay.  Through  an  opening  in  the  foliage 
|nt;re<l  the  pale  and  spectral  face  of  a  human  biing,  with  its  dull  eyes  bent 
fixedly  and  mechanically  upon  the  vessel.  In  the  centre  of  the  wan  forehead 
wa-t  a  dark  incrustation  as  of  blood,  covering  the  superllcies  of  a  newly  clojH'd 
w()(md.  The  pallid  mouth  was  partially  unclosed,  m  as  to  display  a  row  of 
white  and  apparently  lipless  teeth  ;  and  the  featui'- :  w«ro  otherwise  set  and 
drawn,  as  Miose  of  one  who  is  no  longer  of  earth.  Around  the  liead  waa  bound 
a  covering  so  close,  as  to  conceal  every  part  save  the  face  ;  and  once  or  twice  a 
hand  was  slowly  raised,  ani  pressed  upon  the  blood  spot  that  diitmed  the  pass- 
ing fairness  of  the  lirow.     Kverv  other  portion  of  tlie  form  was  invisible. 

'•  Lord  have  mercy  upon  us  !'^  exclaimed  the  boatswain,  in  a  voice  that,  now 
elevated  to  more  than  its  natural  tone,  sounded  Kkirtlingly  on  the  stillneiis  of 
the  scene  ;  ''  sure  enough  it  is,  indeed  a  ghost !" 

"  lla!  do  you  believe  me  now?"  returned  Fuller,  gaining  confidence  from 
the  admission  of  liis  companion,  and  in  the  same  elevated  key.  ''  It  is,  as  1 
hope  to  be  saved,  the  ghost  I  see'd  afore." 

The  connuotion  on  deck  w  as  now  everywhere  universal.  The  sailors  started 
to  their  feet,  and  with  horror  and  alarm  visibly  imprinted  on  their  countenances, 
rushed  tunuiltuously  towards  the  dreade<l  gangway. 

"Make  way — room,  fellows!"  exclaimed  a  hurried- voice;  and  presently 
Captain  de  Haldimar,  who  had  bounded  like  lightning  from  the  deck,  ap{)eari!4l 
with  eager  eye  and  excited  cheek  among  them.  To  leap  into  the  boat  an<l  di«- 
appear  u  der  the  foliage,  was  the  work  of  a  single  instant.  All  listened  breath- 
lessly for  the  slightest  sound ;  and  then  every  heart  throbbed  with  the  most 
undefinable  emotions,  as  his  lips  were  heard  giving  utterance  to  the  deep  emo- 
tion of  his  own  sjtirit, — 

"  Madeline,  oh,  my  own  lost  Madeline !"  he  exclaimed  with  almost  frantic 
energy  of  passion :  do  I  then  press  you  once  more  to  my  doating  heart  ? 
Speak,  speak,  to  me — for  God's  sake  speak,  or  I  shall  go  mad  I  Air,  air, — she 
wants  air  only — she  cannot  be  dead." 

These  last  words  were  succeeded  by  the  furious  rending  asunder  of  the  faF- 
enings  that  secured  the  boughs,  and  presently  the  whole  went  overboarti, 
leaving  revealed  the  tall  and  picturesque  figure  of  the  officer ;  whose  left  aran 
encircled  while  it  supported  the  reclining  and  powerless  form  of  one  who  well 
resembled,  indeed,  the  spectre  for  which  she  had  been  mistaken,  while  hia 
right  hand  was  busied  in  detaching  the  string  that  secured  a  portion  of  the 
covering  round  her  throat.  At  length  it  fell  from  her  shoulders ;  and  the  well 
known  form  of  Madeline  de  Haldimar,  clad  even  in  the  vestments  in  which 
they  had  been  wont  to  see  her,  met  the  astonished  gaze  of  the  excited  seamen. 
Still  there  were  some  who  doubted  it  was  the  corporeal  woman  whom  thoy 
beheld ;  and  several  of  the  crew  who  were  Catholics  even  made  the  sign  of  the 
cross  as  the  supposed  SDirit  was  now  borne  up  the  gangway  in  the  arms  of  the 


•41 


i     1 


i  'I 


' 


i; 


!  i£ 


I 


f|i 


i  t'i 


I    -0 


'^.      CI 


^^ 


I    ^ 


•j'j'ji.  '59ACOUSTA,  on,  Till:  riJoriiECT. 

|iafne<I  yet  pratifird  De  ITaldimar:  nor  was  it  until  her  foot  were  seen  finally 
resting  on  :hp  deck,  that  Jack  Fuller  could  pcrsuiide  himself  it  was  indeed 
Miss  do  Huldimar,  and  not  her  ghost,  tliat  la}  clasped  to  the  heart  of  the 
ofiicer. 

»Vith  tl  e  keen  rush  of  the  morning  aW  upon  her  brow  retuincd  the  sus- 
pended consciousness  of  the  be  vildered  Aladelinc.  The  blood  came  slowly? 
and  imperceptibly  to  her  cheek ;  and  her  eyes,  hitherto  <ila/.i'd.  fixed,  and  in. 
expressive,  looked  enquirin;.i;ly,  yet  with  stupid  wonderment,  ai-ound.  Slie 
started  from  the  embrace  of  her  lover,  ga/.ed  alternately  at  his  dismiise,  at  him- 
»?elf,  .and  at  Clara;  and  then  passing  her  hand  several  times  raj>idiy  acioss  her 
brow,  uttered  an  liysteric  scream,  and  threw  herself  impetuously  forward  on 
Uk'  lM)som  of  the  sobbinu;  jrii-*  ;  wb.o.  with  extended  arms,  paned  lips,  and 
liehving  bosom,  sat  breathlessly  awaitmg  the  first  dawn  of  the  rctiui.mg  re.isoa 
of  her  more  than  sister. 

We  should  vamly  attempt  to  paint  all  the  heart-rending  misery  of  tlic  sccno 
exhibited  in  the  gradual  restoration  of  Miss  de  IlaUlimar  to  her  senses.  From 
a  state  of  torpor,  produced  ly  the  freezing  of  eveiy  faculty  into  almost  idioicy, 
she  was  suddenly  awakened  to  all  the  teiior?;  of  the  past ;  and  the  <leei)  into- 
JD^iions  of  her  rich  voice  were  heard  only  in  expiessions  of  agony,  that  entered 
aito  the  most  iron-hearted  of  the  assembled  s"amen  ;  while  they  di  e\v  from  the 
bosom  of  her  gentle  and  sympathising  cousin  fresh  bursts  of  desolating  i^iief. 
Imagination  itself  would  find  difficulty  in  supplying  the  harrowing  eU'ect  upon 
all,  when,  with  upi-aised  hands,  and  on  her  bended  knees,  her  large  e\  es  lurjied 
wildly  up  to  heaven,  she  invoked  in  deep  and  startling  accents  the  teri'ible  re- 
tribution of  a  just  God  on  the  inhuman  nuu'derers  of  her  father,  with  whose 
life-blood  her  gai-ments  were  profusely  saturated  •  and  then,  with  hysteric 
laughter,  demanded  why  she  alone  had  been  singled  out  to  survi''e  the  bloody 
tragedy.  Love  and  affection,  hitherto  the  fi:st  principlv's  of  her  existence,  then 
found  no  entrance  into  her  mind.  Stricken,  broken-hv^arted.  stultified  to  all 
feeling  save  that  of  her  immediate  wretchedness,  she  thoi^^ht  only  of  the  hor- 
rible scenes  through  which  she  had  passed ;  and  even  h;,  whom  at  another 
mo!nent  she  could  have  clasped  in  an  agony  of  fond  tendcrress  to  her  beatinj^ 
bosom, — he  to  whom  she  had  pledged  her  virgin  faith,  and  \,'as  bound  by  the 
dearest  of  human  ties. — he  whom  she  had  so  often  longed  to  behold  once  more, 
and  had  thought  of,  the  preceding  day,  with  all  the  tenderness  of  her  impa.s- 
sioned  and  devoted  soul, — even  he  did  not,  in  the  first  hours  of  her  terrible 
consciousness,  so  much  as  command  a  single  passing  regard.  All  the  aflec- 
tiona  were  for  a  moment  blighted  in  her  bosom.  Slie  seemed  as  one  devoted, 
without  the  power  of  resistance,  to  a  grief  which  calcined  and  preyed  upon  all 
other  feelings  of  the  mind.  One  stunning  and  annihilating  reflection  seemed 
to  engross  every  principle  of  her  being ;  nor  was  it  for  hours  a  'ter  she  had 
been  restored  to  Ufe  and  recollection  that  a  deluge  of  burning  tears,  giving  re- 
lief to  her  heart  and  a  new  direction  to  her  feelings,  enabled  her  at  length  to 
separate  the  past  from,  and  in  some  degree  devote  herself  to,  the  present. 
Then,  indeed,  for  the  first  time  did  she  perceive  and  take  pleas- ;ri  in  the  pre- 
Bence  of  her  lover;  and  clasping  her  beloved  and  weeping  Clara  o  her  heart, 
thank  her  God,  in  all  the  fervor  of  true  piety,  that  she  at  least  had  been  spared 
to  shed  a  ray  of  comfort  on  her  distracted  spirit.  But  we  will  not  pain  the 
reader  by  dwelling,  on  s  scene  that  di-cw  tears  even  from  the  rag{;cd  and  ilint- 


seen  finally 
t  was  indeed 
liciart  of  the 

nerl  the  su*. 
cani(*  slowly 
ixed.  and  in- 
iround.  S!i6 
luise,  at  Iiim- 
13^  across  her 
y  forward  oa 
led  lips,  aud 
Lir*,mg  re.isoa 

y  of  the  sccna 
len.-ics.    From 
Iniost  idiolcy, 
the  d'jei)  iut"> 
-,  that  ciite-rod 
Irew  from  the 
■solatin;;-  ;:i'ior. 
ng  eH'oot  upon 
zc  vycs  iiu'Jied 
he  teri'ilile  re- 
;r,  with  whose 
with  hysteric 
i-'c  the  bloody 
;xistence,  then 
tultified  to  all 
dy  of  the  hor- 
om  at  another 
to  her  beating 

bound  by  the 
old  once  more, 

of  her  impas- 
of  her  terrible 
All  the  atloc- 
,s  one  devoted, 
reyed  upon  all 
lotion  secuK'd 

a'ter  she  had 
^ais,  giving;  re- 
cr  at  len;i,th  to 
),  the  present, 
•iri  in  the  pre- 
■a   0  her  heart, 

ad  been  spared 
11  not  pain  Ihc 

g{;cd  and  Hint- 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


176 


hearted  boatswain  himself:  for,  although  we  should  linger  on  it  with  nihmto 
anatomical  detail,  no  powers  of  languar"  we  possess  could  convey  the  trans- 
cript as  it  should  be.  Pass  we  on,  theiffore,  to  the  more  immediate  incidents 
of  our  narrative. 

The  day  now  rapidly  developing,  full  opportunity  was  afforded  the  mari- 
ners to  survey  the  strict  nature  of  their  position.  To  all  appearance  they 
were  yet  in  the  middle  of  the  lake,  for  around  them  lay  the  belting  sweep  of 
forest  that  bounded  the  perspective  of  the  equidistant  circle,  of  which  their 
bark  was  the  focus  or  immediate  centre.  The  wind  was  dyin<r  gradually 
away,  an<l  when  at  length  the  sun  vosa,  in  all  its  splendor,  there  w!js  scarce 
air  enough  in  the  heavens  to  keep  the  sails  from  flapping  against  tlie  masts. 
(»  to  enal»le  the  vessel  to  obey  her  helm.  In  vain  was  the  low  and  i)eculiar 
whistle  of  the  seamen  heard,  ever  and  anon,  in  invocation  of  the  depai'ting 
breeze.  Another  day.  calm  and  bivathless  as  the  preceding,  had  been  char- 
tered fro  I  the  world  of  liglit ;  and  their  hearts  failed  them  as  they  foresaw 
the  difficulty  of  their  position,  and  the  almost  certainty  of  their  retreat  being 
cut  oli".  It  was  while  laboring  under  tlie  dishe;irtening  consciousuf.'ss  of  dan- 
ger, peculiar  to  all,  that  the  anxious  boatswain  .sununoned  Captain  de  Ilaldi- 
icar  and  Sir  Everard  Valietort,  by  a  sigiulirant  beck  of  the  finger,  to  the  sida 
of  the  deck  opposite  to  that  on  which  still  lay  thesuU'ering  and  nearly  brokeii- 
hoiirtfv^  orirU. 

Well,  Mullins,  what  now  T  encpunnl  the  former,  as  he  narrowly  scanned 
the  3xpression  of  the  old  man's  features :  •'  that  clouded  brow  of  yours,  1  feai 
aie,  bodes  no  agreeable  information." 

"  Why,  your  honor,  I  scarcely  knows  what  to  say  about  it ;  but  seehig  as 
I'm  the  only  officer  in  the  ship,  now  our  poor  ca[)tain  is  killed,  God  bless  him  I 
I  thought  1  might  take  the  liberty  to  consult  with  your  honors  as  to  the  best 
way  of  getting  out  of  the  jaws  of  them  sharks  of  lugians  ;  and  two  heads,  as 
the  saying  is,  is  always  better  than  one." 

"And  now  you  have  the  advtsntasie  of  three,"  observed  the  officer,  with  f 
sickly  smile;  '*  but  I  feai,  Mu'lins,  that  if  your  Dwn  be  not  sufficient  for  tht 
purpose,  ours  will  be  of  little  service.  You  must  take  counsel  from  your  own 
experience  and  knowledge  of  nautical  matters." 

"  Why,  to  be  sure,  your  honor,"  and  the  sailor  rolled  his  quid  from  one 
check  to  the  other,  "  I  think  I  may  say  as  how  I'll  venture  to  steer  the  craft 
with  any  man  on  the  Canada  lakes,  and  bring  her  safe  into  port,  too  j  but 
seeing  as  how  I'm  only  a  petty  officer,  and  not  yet  recommended  by  his  wor- 
ship the  governor  for  the  full  command,  1  thought  it  but  right  to  consult  with 
my  superiors,  not  as  to  the  management  of  the  craft,  but  the  best  as  is  to  be 
done.  What  does  your  honor  think  of  making  for  the  high  land  over  the 
larboard  bow  yonder,  and  waiting  for  the  chance  of  the  night  breeze  to  take 
us  through  the  Sinclair  ?" 

"  Do  whatever  you  think  best,"  returned  the  officer.  "  For  my  part,  I 
scarcely  can  give  an  opinion.  Yet  how  are  we  to  get  there  ?  There  does  not 
appear  to  be  a  breath  of  wind." 

•'  Oh,  that's  easily  managed  ;  we  have  only  to  brail  and  furl  up  a  little,  to 
hide  our  cloth  from  tlie  Ingians,  and  then  send  the  boats  ahead  to  tow  the 
craft,  while  some  of  us  lend  a  hand  at  her  own  sweeps.  We  shall  get  close 
Under  the  lee  of  the  laud  afoie  uit^ht,  aud  then  we  must  uuU  up  agin  along 


'  !?f 


!^l 


:j  ■ 


Bfl 


It 


176 


"WACOUSTA,  OK,  THE  PUCPHECT. 


diore,  untn  we  get  within  a  mile  or  so  of  the  head  of  the  nver.* 

"  But  shall  we  not  be  seen  by  our  enemies  ?"  asked  Sir  Everard  j  "  and  will 
thev  not  be  on  the  watch  for  our  movements,  and  intercept  our  reti^at  ?" 

"Now  that's  just  the  thing,  your  honor,  as  they're  not  likely  to  do,  if  so  be 
M  we  bears  away  from  yon  headlands.  I  know  every  nook  and  sounding 
round  the  lake ;  and  odd  enough  if  I  didn't,  seeing  as  how  the  craft  circum- 
navigated it  at  least  a  dozen  times  since  we  have  been  cooped  up  here.  Poor 
Cautain  Danvers !  (may  the  devil  take  his  niurdeiers,  I  say,  though  it  docH 
waKe  a  commander  of  me  for  once ;)  he  used  always  to  make  for  that 
'ere  point,  whenever  he  wished  to  lie  (piiet ;  for  never  once  did  we  see  so 
much  as  a  single  Ingian  on  the  headland.  No.  your  honor,  they  keeps  all  at 
t'other  side  of  the  lake,  seeing  as  how  that  is  the  main  road  from  Mackinu  to 
Detroit." 

"  Then,  by  all  means,  do  so,"  eagerly  returned  Captain  de  Haldimar.  "  Oh. 
Mullins !  take  us  but  safely  through,  and  if  the  interest  of  my  father  can 
procure  a  king's  commission,  you  shall  not  want  it,  believe  me." 

"  And  if  half  ray  fortune  can  give  additional  stimulus  to  exertion,  it  i>hall 
be  shared,  with  pleasure,  between  yourself  and  crew,"  observed  Sir  Everard. 

"  Thank  your  honors, — thank  your  honors,"  said  the  boatswain,  somewhat 
electrified  by  these  brilliant  offers.  "  The  latls  may  take  the  money,  if  thiy 
Mke  ;  all  I  cares  about  is  the  king's  commission.  Give  me  but  a  swab  on  .n y 
shoulder,  and  the  money  will  come  fast  enough  of  itself.  But  still,  shiver 
my  topsails,  if  I  wants  any  bribery  to  make  me  do  my  duty ;  besides,  if 
'twas  only  for  them  poor  girls  alone,  I  would  go  through  fire  and  water  to 
Karve  them.  I'm  not  very  chicken-hearted  in  my  old  age,  your  honors,  but  I 
don't  recollect  the  time  when  I  blubbered  so  much  as  I  did  when  Miss  Made- 
line come  aboard.  But  I  can't  bear  to  think  of  it ;  and  no\r  let  us  see  :u)0 
get  all  ready  for  towing." 

Everything  now  became  bustle  and  activity  on  board  the  schooner.  Tli« 
onatches,  no  longer  required  for  the  moment,  weir  extinguished,  axA  the  licaw 
tntlasses  and  pistols  unbuckled  from  the  loins  of  the  raen,  and  deposited  near 
their  respective  guns.  Light  forms  flew  aloft,  and  standing  out  upon  the 
yards,  loosely  Juried  the  sails  that  had  previously  been  hauled  and  clewed  tip ; 
but  as  this  was  an  operation  requiring  little  time  in  so  small  a  vessel,  tlioso 
who  were  engaged  in  it  speedily  glided  to  the  deck  again,  ready  for  a  moio 
anluous  service.  The  boats  had,  meanwhile,  been  got  forward,  and  into  these 
the  sailors  sprang  with  an  alacrity  that  could  scarcely  have  been  expect«d 
from  men  who  had  passed  not  only  the  preceding  night,  but  many  before  it. 
in  utter  .sleeplessness  and  despair.  But  the  imminence  of  the  danger,  ami 
the  evident  necessity  existing  foi-  exertion,  aroused  them  to  new  energy ;  ami 
the  hitherto  motionless  vessel  was  now  made  to  obey  the  impulse  given  by 
the  tow  ropes  of  the  boats,  in  a  manner  that  proved  their  crews  to  have  en- 
tered on  their  toil  with  the  determination  of  men  resolved  to  devote  them- 
selves in  earnest  to  their  tasks.  Nor  was  the  spirit  of  action  confined  lo 
these.  The  long  sweeps  of  the  schooner  had  been  shipped,  and  such  of  iho 
crew  as  remained  on  board  labored  effectually  at  them, — a  service  in  which 
they  were  essentially  aided,  not  only  by  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis,  but 
by  the  yoimg  officers  themselves. 

At  mid-<lay  the  headlands  were  seen  looming  largely  in  the  distance,  while 
the  immediate  shores  of  the  ill-fated  fortress  were  momentarily,  and  in  the 


WAGOUaiA,  OR,  THE  PROPHSOT. 


i ;  "  and  will 
etreat  ?" 
3  do,  if  so  be 
nd  sounding 
Taft  circum- 
here.  Poor 
loiigh  it  (lot's 
like  for  tliiit 
id  wc  si'i'  so 
,'  keeps  all  at 
a  Macki\ia  lo 

limar.    "Oh. 
y  father  can 

rtion,  it  i>hall 
Sir  Everard. 
,in,  somewhat 
oney,  if  tluy 
I  swab  on  .iiy 
it  still,  shiver 
y  ;  besides,  if 
and  water  to 
honors,  but  ! 
n  Miss  Madc- 
et  us  see  au() 

hooner.    Th* 
wul  thelicavv 
leposited  near 
jut  upon  the 
id  clewed  up ; 
I  vessel,  those 
dy  for  a  nxtro 
Mid  into  tlu'so 
)een  expected 
any  before  it. 
e  danger,  and 
r  energy ;  and 
ulse  given  !)y 
vs  to  have  en- 
devote  thoju- 
n  confinetl  to 
id  such  of  the 
rvice  in  which 
ur  de  Lis,  but 

listance,  while 
ily,  and  in  the 


177 


game  proportion,  disappearing  under  the  dim  line  of  horizon  m  the  rear. 
More  than  halt'  their  course,  fr  jm  the  spot  whence  they  commenced  towing, 
had  been  completed,  when  tne  f larassed  men  were  made  to  quit  their  oais,  in 
ordw/  to  partake  of  the  scanty  fare  of  the  vessel,  consisting  chiefly  of  dried 
bear's  meat  and  venison.  Spirit  of  any  description  they  had  none;  but.  un- 
like their  brethren  of  the  Atlantic,  when  driven  to  extremities  in  food,  they 
knew  not  what  it  was  to  poison  the  nutritious  properties  of  the  latter  by  sip- 
ing  the  putrid  dregs  of  the  water-cask,  in  quantities  scarce  sufficient  to  quench 
the  fire  of  their  parched  palates.  Unslaked  thirst  was  a  misery  unknown  to 
the  mariners  of  these  lakes :  it  was  but  to  cast  their  buckets  deep  into  the 
tempting  clement,  and  water,  pure,  sweet,  and  grateful  as  any  that  ever  bub- 
bled from  the  moss-clad  fountain  of  sylvan  deity,  came  cool  and  refreshing 
to  their  lips,  neutraUsing,  in  a  measure,  the  crudities  of  the  coarsest  food.  It 
was  to  this  inestimable  advantage  the  crew  of  the  schooner  had  been  prin- 
cipally indebted  for  their  health,  during  the  long  series  of  privation,  as  far  as 
related  to  fresh  provisions  and  rest,  to  which  they  had  been  subjected.  Ail 
appeared  as  vigorous  in  frame,  and  robust  in  health,  as  at  the  moment  wheu 
they  had  last  quitted  the  waters  of  the  Detroit;  and  but  for  the  inward  sink- 
ing of  the  spirit  reflected  in  many  a  bronzed  and  furrowed  brow,  there  was 
little  to  show  they  had  been  exposed  to  any  very  extraordinary  trials. 

Their  meal  having  been  ha^.tily  despatched,  and  sweetened  by  a  draught 
from  the  depths  of  the  Huron,  the  seamen  once  more  sprang  into  their  boats, 
and  devoted  themselves,  heart  und  soul,  to  the  completion  of  their  task,  pull- 
ing with  a  vigor  that  operated  on  each  and  all  with  a  tendency  to  encourage- 
ment and  hope.  At  length  the  vessel,  still  impelled  by  her  own  sweeps,  gra- 
dually approached  the  land  ;  and  at  rather  more  than  an  hour  before  sunset 
was  so  near  that  the  moment  was  deemed  arrived  when,  without  danger  of 
being  perceived,  she  might  be  run  up  along  the  shore  to  the  point  alluded  to 
by  the  boatswain.  Little  more  than  another  hour  was  occupied  in  bringing  her 
to  her  station ;  and  the  red  tints  of  departing  day  were  visible  in  the  direction 
of  the  ill-fated  fortress  of  Michillimackinac,  v&^va  the  sullen  rumbling  of  the 
cable,  following  the  heavy  splash  of  the  anchor,  announced  the  place  of  mo- 
mentary concealment  had  been  gained. 

The  anchorage  lay  between  two  projecting  headlands;  to  the  outermost 
extremities  of  which  were  to  be  seen,  overhanging  the  lake,  the  state- 
ly birch  and  pine,  connected  tit  their  base  by  impenetrable  brushwood,  ex- 
tending to  the  very  shore,  and  affording  the  amplest  concealment,  except  from 
the  lake  side  and  the  banks  uader  which  the  schooner  was  n  cored.  From 
Um  first  quarter,  however,  little  danger  was  incurred,  as  any  canoes  the  sav- 
ages might  send  in  discovery  of  their  course,  must  unavoidably  be  seen  the 
noment  they  appeared  over  the  line  of  the  horizon,  while,  on  the  contrary, 
their  own  vessel,  although  mi'ch  larger,  resting  on  and  identified  with  the 
land,  must  be  invisible,  except  on  a  very  near  approach.  In  the  opposite  di- 
rection they  were  equally  safe ;  for,  as  Mullins  had  truly  remarked,  none,  save 
a  few  wandering  hunters,  whotn  chance  occasionally  led  to  the  spot,  were  to 
be  met  with  in  a  part  of  the  country  that  lay  so  completely  out  of  the  track 
of  communication  between  th  j  fortress.  It  was,  however,  but  to  double  the 
second  headland  in  their  front,  and  they  came  within  view  of  the  Sinclair,  the 
head  of  which  was  situated  little  more  than  a  league  beyond  the  spot  where 


■4 

': '!  if 

I'.  ^ 

I; 


If 


It^'i 


" 


J 

■■j 
') 
;l   - 

A  ■ 

It 

It  i 


ITS 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHEOT. 


they  now  lay.  rhus  secure  for  the  present,  and  waitinj?  only  for  the  rising 
of  the  breeze,  of  which  the  setting  sun  had  given  promise,  the  sailors  once 
more  snatched  their  hasty  refieslunent,  while  two  of  their  number  were  sent 
aloft  to  keep  a  vigilant  look-out  along  the  circuit  embraced  by  the  enshroud- 
ed headlands. 

During  the  whole  of  the  day  the  cousins  had  con  inued  on  deck  clasped  in 
each  other's  arms,  and  shedding  tears  of  bitterness,  and  heaving  the  most 
hv.'art-rendini,'  sobs  at  intervals,  yet  but  rarely  conversing.  The  feelings  of 
bttth  were  too  much  oppressed  to  admit  of  the  utterance  of  their  grief.  The 
vampire  of  desjuur  h:id  banqueted  on  their  hearts.  Often  had  Sir  Everaid 
and  De  Ilaldimar  paused  momentarily  from  the  labor  of  their  oars,  to  east  an 
eye  of  anxious  solicitude  on  the  scarcely  conscious  girls,  wishing,  rather  than 
expecting,  to  find  the  violence  of  their  desolation  abated,  and  that,  :t\  the  full 
expansion  of  unreserved  ccmimmication,  they  were  relieving  their  sick  hearts 
from  the  terrible  weight  of  woe  that  bore  them  down.  Captain  de  Ilaldimar 
had  even  once  or  twice  essayed  to  introduce  the  subject  himself,  in  the  hope 
that  some  fresh  paioxysm,  following  their  disclosures,  would  remove  the  hor- 
rible stupefaction  of  their  senses  ;  but  the  wild  look  and  escitnd  manner  of 
Madeline,  whenever  he  touched  on  the  chord  of  her  atfliction,  hud  as  often 
caused  him  to  desist. 

Towards  the  evening,  however,  her  natural  strength  of  character  came  in 
aid  of  his  quiescent  ellbrts  to  soothe  her :  and  she  appeared  not  only  more 
composed,  but  more  sensible  of  the  >>■  ^^  ssion  produced  by  surrounding  ob- 
jects. As  the  last  rays  jf  the  sun  •  '  inging  the  horizon,  she  drew  uji  her 
form  in  a  sitting  position  against  the  bui  wai-ks,  and,  raising  her  clasped  hands  to 
heaven,  while  her  eyes  were  bent  long  and  fixedly  on  the  distant  west,  appear- 
ed some  minutes  wholly  lost  in  that  attitude  of  absorption.  Then  she  closed 
her  eyes ;  and  through  the  swollen  lids  came  coursing,  one  by  one,  over  her 
quivering  cheek,  large  tears,  that  seemed  to  scald  a  furrow  where  they  passed. 
After  this  ,he  became  more  calm — her  respiration  more  free;  and  she  even 
consented  to  taste  the  humbh  meal  which  the  young  man  now  offered  for  the 
third  time.  Neither  Clara  nor  herself  had  eaten  food  since  the  preceding 
morning ;  and  the  weakness  of  their  frames  contributed  not  a  little  to  the  in- 
creasing despondency  of  their  spirits ;  but,  notwithstanding  several  attempts 
previously  made,  they  had  rejected  what  was  offered  them,  with  insurmount- 
able loathing.  When  they  had  now  swallowed  a  few  morsels  of  the  sliced 
venison  ham,  prepared  with  all  the  delicacy  the  nearly  exhausted  resources 
of  the  vessel  could  supply,  accompanied  by  a  small  portion  of  the  corn-bread 
of  the  Canadian,  Captnin  de  Ilaldimar  prevailed  on  them  to  swallow  a  few 
drops  of  the  spirit  thi,t  still  remained  in  the  canteer  given  them  by  Erskinc 
c.ii  t'leir  departure  from  Detroit.  The  genial  liquid  sent  a  kindling  glow  to 
th.it  chilled  heartr,  and  for  a  moment  deadened  the  ptngency  of  their  anguish; 
w.nd  then  it  was  that  Miss  de  Ilaldimar  entered  briefly  on  the  horrors  she  had 
wi messed,  while  Clara,  with  her  arm  encircling  her  waist,  fixed  her  dim  and 
•wr>llen  eyes,  fr^m  which  a  tiar  ever  and  anon  rolled  heavily  to  her  lap,  oij 
tb««vi ,  of  her  beloved  cousin. 


WAfOUSTA.  9R>  TBS  PROPILE«Y. 


179 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


Without  borro^i  ing  the  affecting  language  of  the  unhappy  girl— a  langiwf;i 
rendered  even  more  touching  by  the  peculiar  pathos  of  her  tones,  and  the 
§f"x.xh\ng  agony  of  spirit  that  burst  at  intervals  through  her  narrative— we 
will  merely  present  our  readers  with  a  brief  summary  of  what  was  gleaned 
from  her  melancholy  disclosure.  On  bearing  her  couisin  to  the  bed-room, 
after  the  terrifying  yell  first  heard  from  without  the  fort,  she  had  flown  down 
the  front  stairs  of  the  block-house,  in  the  hope  of  reachinj;  the  guard-room  in 
time  to  acquint  Captain  Baynton  with  what  she  and  Clara  had  witnessed 
from  the  window.  Scarcely,  however,  had  she  gained  the  exterior  of  the 
building,  wheu  she  saw  that  officer  descending  from  a  point  of  the  rampart 
immediately  on  her  left,  and  almost  in  a  line  with  the  block-house.  He  was 
running  to  overtake  and  return  the  ball  of  the  Indian  players,  which  had,  at 
that  moment,  fallen  into  the  centre  of  the  fort,  and  was  now  rolling  rapidly 
away  from  the  spot  on  which  Miss  de  Ilaldimar  stood.  The  course  of  the 
ball  led  the  pursuing  officer  out  of  the  reach  of  her  voice ;  and  it  was  not 
until  he  had  overtaken  and  thrown  it  again  over  the  rampart,  she  could  suc- 
ceed in  claiming  his  attention.  No  sooner,  however,  had  he  heard  her  hun  .oi 
statement,  than,  w'thout  waiting  to  take  the  orders  of  his  conmianding  oflicoj 
he  prepared  to  join  his  guard,  and  gave  directions  for  the  immediate  closirt  .! 
the  gates.  But  the  opportunity  was  now  lost.  The  delay  occasioned  b_,  hhe 
shase  and  recovery  of  tlie  ball  had  given  the  Indians  time  to  approach  iha 
gates  in  a  body,  while  the  unsv-spicious  soldiery  looked  on  without  so  nntcii. 
•s  dreaming  to  prevent  them ;  and  Captain  Baynton  had  scarcely  moved  for- 
ward in  execution  of  his  purpose,  when  the  yelling  fiends  were  seen  aires'/ 
possessing  themselves  of  the  drawbridge,  and  exhibiting  every  appearance  of 
fierce  hostility.  Wild,  maddened  at  the  sight,  the  almost  frantic  Madeline, 
ulive  only  to  her  fatlier's  danger,  rushed  back  towards  the  council  room, 
whence  the  startling  yell  from  without  had  already  been  echoed,  and  where 
the  tramp  of  feet  and  the  clashing  of  weapons  were  distinguishable. 

Cut  off  from  his  guard,  by  the  rapid  inundation  of  warriors,  Captain  Bayn- 
ton had  at  once  seen  the  futility  of  all  attempts  to  join  the  men,  and  his  first 
impression  evidently  had  been  to  devote  himself  lo  the  preservation  of  the 
cousins.  With  this  view  he  turned  hastily  to  Miss  de  Ilaldimar,  and  hurrie<l- 
ly  naming  the  back  staircase  of  the  block-house,  urged  her  to  direct  her  flight 
to  that  quarter.  But  the  excited  girl  had  neitlier  consideration  nor  fear  for 
herself;  she  thought  only  of  her  father :  and,  even  while  the  fierceness  of 
iMintest  was  at  its  height  within,  she  suddenly  burst  into  tlie  council  room. 
The  confusion  and  hoiror  of  the  scene  that  met  her  eyes  no  language  can 
render :  blood  was  flowing  in  every  direction,  and  dying  and  dead  ofiicers.  al- 
ready stripped  of  their  scalps,  were  lying  strewed  around  the  room.  Still  the 
survivors  fought  with  all  the  obstinacy  of  def^j^air,  and  many  of  the  Indiana 
had  shared  the  fate  of  their  victims.  Miss  de  Ilaldimar  attempted  to  reach 
her  father,  then  vigorously  combatting  with  one  of  the  most  desperate  of  the 
Qhicfe  I  but.  before  8he  could  dart  through  the  interveuin^  c^-owd.  a  savage 


■  i1 


'»•  4- 


180 


W  ACOUSTA.  OB.  TUB  PSOPBiaT. 


1  ^! 


I  I 


yea^A  ter  by  the  hair,  and  Itrandished  a  tobahawk  rapidlj  over  her  neck. 
At  this  moment  Captain  Baynton  sent  his  glittering  hlaae  deep  into  the  heart 
71*  the  Indian,  who,  relinquishing  his  grasp,  fell  dead  at  the  feet  of  his  intend- 
ed victim.  The  devoted  officer  then  threw  his  left  arm  ronnd  her  waist,  and 
parrying  with  his  sword-arm  the  blows  of  those  who  sought  to  intercept  his 
flighty  dragged  his  reluctant  burden  towards  the  door.  Hotly  pressed  by  the 
reniaming  officers,  nearly  equal  in  number,  the  Indians  were  now  compelled 
to  turn  and  defend  themselves  in  front,  wlicn  Captain  Baynton  took  that  op- 
p>rtimity  of  gettinj;  once  more  into  the  c<  iridor,  not,  however,  without  hav< 
vag  received  a  severe  wound  immediately  behind  the  right  ear.  and  leaving  a 
■ki/t  and  lappel  of  his  uniform  in  the  hanc.^  of  two  savages  who  hou  suoee* 
sively  essayed  to  detain  him.  At  that  mo.nent  the  band  without  had  sue* 
eeeded  in  forcing  open  the  door  of  the  guai  i  room ;  and  the  officer  saw  ac  a 
glance  there  was  little  time  lefl  for  decision.  In  hurried  and  imploring  accents 
he  besought  Miss  de  Haldimar  to  forget  evory  thing  but  her  own  danger,  and 
to  summon  resolution  to  tear  herself  from.  vUe  scene ;  but  pra3er  and  entreaty 
and  even  ibrce,  were  alike  employed  in  vuiii.  Clinging  firmly  to  the  rude  bal- 
ustrades, she  refused  to  be  led  up  the  staircase,  and  wildly  resisting  all  h\» 
efforts  to  detach  her  hands,  decJared  she  would  again  return  to  the  scene  of 
death,  in  which  her  beloved  parent  was  so  conspicuous  an  actor.  While  he 
was  yet  engaged  in  this  fruitless  attempt  to  force  her  from  the  spot,  the  door 
of  the  council-room  was  suddenly  burst  open,  and  a  group  of  bleeding  officers, 
among  whom  wj,s  Major  de  Haldimar,  followed  by  thoir  yelling  enemies, 
rushed  wildly  into  the  passage,  and,  at  the  very  foot  of  the  stairs  where  they 

J  ret  stood,  the  combat  was  renewed.  From  that  moment  Miss  de  Haldimai 
ost  sigiit  of  her  generous  protector.  Meanwhile  the  tumult  of  execrations, 
and  groans,  and  yells,  was  at  its  height ;  and  one  by  one  she  saw  the  unhappy 
officers  sink  '^oneath  T\eapons  yet  reeking  with  the  blood  of  their  comrades, 
until  not  n.ore  than  three  or  four,  including  h'ir  father  and  the  commander  of* 
t'te  sc>,ooner,  wji  ■  left.  At  length  Major  de  Hivldimar,  overcome  by  exertion 
f„nd  faint  Trora  v.oands,  while  his  wild  eye  darted  despairingly  on  his  daugh- 
ter, had  his  s\vord-a<  ni  desperately  wounded,  when  the  blade  dropped  to  the 
earth,  and  a  doze  i  wt  pons  glittered  above  his  head.  The  wild  shriek  that 
had  startled  ('Isxrath  :..  burst  from  the  agonised  heart  of  her  maddened  cousin, 
and  she  darted  forward  to  cover  her  father's  head  with  her  arms.  But  her 
senses  failed  her  in  the  attempt ;  and  the  last  thing  she  recollected  was  falling 
over  the  welteri,'?^  S)nn  of  Middleton,  who  pressed  her,  aa  she  lay  there,  in 
the  -  onvulsive  energy  of  death,  to  his  almost  pulseless  heart. 

/  vague  consciousness  of  being  raised  from  the  earth,  borne  rapidly  through 
the  air,  came  over  her  even  in  her  insensibility,  but  without  any  definite  \wr- 
eeption  of  the  present,  or  recollection  of  the  past,  until  she  suddenly,  when 
fcbout  midway  between  the  fort  and  ths  ptint  of  wood  that  led  to  Chahouiga, 
opened  her  eyes,  and  found  herself  in  the  firm  grasp  of  un  Indian,  whose 
features,  even  in  the  hasty  and  fearful  gk uce  she  cast  at  the  countenance,  slie 
fancied  were  not  unfamiliar  to  her.  Not  another  human  being  was  to  be  seen 
in  the  clearing  at  that  moment ;  for  all  the  savages,  including  even  the  women 
assembled  outside,  were  within  the  fort  ,  listing  in  the  complex  horrors  of 
murder,  fire,  and  spoliation.  In  the  wild  energy  of  returning  reason  and  de- 
spair, the  wretched  girl  struggled  violently  to  free  herself;  and  so  far  with 
fupcossy  that  the  {jicUan,  whrae  str^i^th  w^  ovidoati;^  iilisC  &iliii{&  him.  wai 


WAC0U8TA,  Oil,  tHt  PROPHECY. 


181 


it  her  neck, 
ato  the  heart 
►f  his  intend- 
er  waist,  and 
intercept  hn» 
ressed  by  the 
ow  compelled 
took  that  op- 
without  hav< 
md  leaving  t 

)   hkU   BUOOM 

out  had  sno 
icer  saw  ai  • 
)loring  accents 
n  danger,  and 
'  and  entreaty 
3  the  rude  bal- 
ssisting  all  his 

0  the  scene  of 
ar.    While  he 

spot,  the  door 
e^ing  officers, 
?lling  enemies, 
,irs  where  they 

1  de  Haldimai 
of  execrations, 
w  the  unhappy 
heir  comrades, 
commander  of 
me  by  exertion 
on  his  daugh- 
dropped  to  the 
Id  shriek  that 
widened  cousin, 
rma.    But  her 
ted  was  falling 
e  lay  there,  in 

•apidly  thronprh 
ly  definite  \wr- 
uddcnly,  when 

to  Chal)Ouiga, 

Indian,  whose 
mi\tenance,  she 

was  to  b«  seen 
ven  the  women 
plex  horrors  of 

reason  and  de- 
md  80  far  with 
uliof.  him.  w«s 


emnpelTod  to  ,^ti^t  Wa  hold  and  suffer  htr  to  walk.  No  sooner  did  ifiss  d«.  ITal- 
dimar  feel  her  feet  touching  the  gi'  und.  when  she  again  renewed  her  exertions 
to  free  herself,  and  return  to  the  i  rt ;  but  the  Indian  held  her  firmly  securtHl 
by  a  leathern  thong  he  now  attac  ed  to  her  waist,  and  every  attempt  proved 
abortive.  lie  was  evidently  niuoj  disconcerted  at  her  resistance;  and  more 
than  once  she  expected,  and  almo.-;  hoped,  the  tomahawk  at  his  svU-  would  bo 
m!ul3  to  revenge  hfm  for  the  test  to  which  his  patience  was  subjected:  but 
Miss  de  Ilaldimar  looked  in  vain  lor  the  expression  of  ferocity  and  impatience 
that  might  have  been  expected  fi-  im  him  at  such  a  iRoment.  There  was  nn 
air  of  inournfulnesH,  and  even  kinfiness,  mingled  with  severity,  on  his  smooth 
oiow  that  harmonised  ill  with  tht  horrible  atrocities  in  which  he  had,  to  all 
B>iiearan<!e.  covered  as  he  was  with  blood,  been  so  recent  and  prominent  an 
i.ctor.  'I'he  Indian  remarked  he?'  stirprise ;  and  then  looking  hurriedly,  but 
keenly,  around,  and  finding  no  livl  ig  being  near  them,  siuldcnly  tore  the  shirt 
from  h's  chest,  and  emphatically  j  ronouncing  the  names  "Oucanasta,"  "  De 
llaldnuar."  disclosed  to  the  stUl  truggling  captive  the  bosom  of  a  woman. 
Alter  which,  pointing  in  the  direct'  tn  of  the  wood.  «nd  finally  towanls  Detroit 
•he  g.a^<)  Miss  de  Haldimar  to  un  erstand  that  was  the  coiu%e  intended  (u  \k 
pursued. 

'  n  a  moment  the  resistance  of  t  e  latter  ceased.  She  at  once  recognised  the 
young  Indian  woman  whom  her  co  isin  had  rescued  from  death :  and  aware,  as 
she  was,  of  the  strong  attachment  hat  had  subsequently  bound  her  to  her  pre- 
seiver,  she  waa  at  no  loss  to  undc stand  how  she  might  have  been  led  to  do- 
vote  herself  to  the  rescue  of  one  nhom,  it  was  piobable,  she  knew  to  be  his 
affianced  wife.  Once,  indeed,  a  suspicion  of  a  dift'erent  nature  cros.sed  her 
mind ;  for  the  thought  occurred  to  her  she  had  only  been  saved  from  the  gen- 
eral (loom  to  be  made  the  victim  of  tirivate  revenge — that  it  was  only  to  glut  the 
jealous  vengeance  of  the  woman  at  a  more  deliberate  hour,  she  had  been  made 
a  temporary  captive.  The  appreh.  .^sion,  however,  was  no  sooner  formed  than 
extinguished.  Bitterly,  deeply  as  she  had  reason  to  abhor  the  treachery  and 
cunning  of  the  dark  race  to  which  her  captor  belonged,  t[  re  was  an  expres- 
sion of  openness  and  sincerity,  au-l  even  imploringnes' ,  in  the  countenance  of 
Oucanasta,  which,  added  to  her  fo  -mer  knowledge  of  the  woman,  at  once  set 
this  fear  at  rest,  inducing  her  to  look  upon  her  rather  in  the  charactri-  of  a  dis- 
interested .savior,  than  in  that  of  a  cruel  and  vindictive  enemy,  goaded  on  to 
tiie  indulgence  or  malignant  hate  by  a  spirit  of  rivalry  and  revenge.  Besides, 
even  weie  her  crudest  fears  to  be  realised,  what  could  await  her  worse  than 
the  past  i  If  she  could  even  succeed  in  getting  away,  it  would  only  be  to  re- 
turn upon  certain  death  ;  and  death  only  could  aw^ait  her,  however  refined  the 
tortures  accompanying  its  infliction,  in  the  event  of  her  quietly  following  and 
yielding  herself  up  to  the  guidance  of  one  who  oftered  this  sligi:t  consolation, 
at  least,  that  she  was  one  of  her  own  sex.  But  Miss  de  Baldimar  was  willing 
to  attribute  more  generous  motives  to  the  Indian ;  and  fortified  in  her  first 
impression,  she  signified  by  signs,  that  seemed  to  be  perfectly  intelligible  to 
her  companion,  she  appreciated  her  friendly  intentions,  and  conlided  wholly 
in  her. 

No  longer  chocked  in  her  efforts,  Oucanasta  now  directed  her  cours(!  towards 
the  wood,  still  holding  the  thong  that  remained  attached  to  Mis.s  de  Haidimar'a 
waist,  probab]|y  with  a  view  to  decdve  l^iy  individuals  ^om  the  villages  on 


■I 


I'i 


i 


H 


153 


tTACOUSTA,  OU,  Tllfi  PROPnECY.' 


whom  they  might  chance  to  fall,  into  the  belief  that  the  English  girl  was  In 
reality  her  prisoner.  No  sooner,  however,  had  they  entered  thtt  depths  of  the 
IbrcKt,  when,  instead  of  following  the  path  tluit  led  to  Chahouiga,  Oucanasta 
took  a  direction  to  the  left,  and  then  moving  nearly  on  a  parallel  Imc  with  the 
course  of  the  lake,  continued  her  flight  as  rapicFly  as  the  rude  nature  of  the 
underwocd,  and  the  unjHuctised  lect  of  lier  coiiipaniun.  would  permit.  They 
had  travelled  in  tliis  manner  foi-  upwards  of  four  hours,  without  meeting  a 
breathing  thing,  or  even  so  much  as  exchanging  a  sound  between  themselves, 
when,  at  length,  the  Indian  sl()ii[)ed  at  the  edge  of  a  deep  cavern-like  excava- 
tion in  the  earth,  produced  by  the  tearing  up,  by  the  wild  tempest,  of  an  enor- 
mous pine.  Into  this  she  descended,  and  presently  nvappeared  with  several 
blankets,  and  two  light  painted  paddles.  Then  unloosing  the  thong  from  the 
waist  of  the  exhausted  girl,  she  proceeded  to  di.sguise  her  in  one  of  the  blankets 
in  the  manner  alieady  shown,  securing  it  over  the  '  •■•ad,  throat,  and  shoulders 
with  the  badge  of  captivity,  now  no  longer  necessary  for  her  purpose.  She 
then  struck  otf  at  right  angles  from  the  course  they  had  previously  pursued ; 
and  in  less  than  twenty  minutes  both  stood  on  the  lake  .shore,  apparently  at  a  great 
distance  from  the  point  whence  they  had  oiiginally  set  out.  The  Indian  gazed 
for  a  moment  anxiously  before  her ;  and  then,  with  an  exclanuition,  evidently 
caeant  (i>  "onvey  a  sense  of  pleasure  and  sutisfaction,  pointeil  forward  upon  the 
lake.  Miss  de  Ilaldimar  followed,  with  eager  and  aching  eyes,  the  direction 
of  her  finger,  and  beheld  the  well  known  schooner  evidently  urging  her  flight 
towards  the  entrance  of  the  Sinclair.  Oh.  how  her  sick  heart  seemed  ready 
to  burst  at  that  moment!  From  the  vessel  she  tiu'ued  her  eyes  away  upon  the 
distant  shore,  which  it  was  fast  quitting,  and  beheld  a  column  of  mingle  I  flaan 
*;.id  smoke  towering  far  above  the  horizon,  and  attesting  the  universa  wrec*» 
of  what  hud  so  long  heen  endeared  to  her  ns  ner  home.  And  she  had  v,\tf 
oessed  all  this,  and  yet  had  strength  to  survive  it ! 

The  courage  of  the  unhappy  girl  had  hitherto  been  sustamed  by  no  effort 
of  volition  of  her  own.  From  the  moment  when,  discovering  a  friend  in  Ou- 
canasta,  she  had  yielded  herself  unresistingly  to  the  guidance  of  that  generous 
creature,  her  feelings  had  been  characterised  by  an  ohtu.sene.ss  strongly  in 
contrast  with  the  high  excitement  that  had  distinguished  her  previous  man - 
iiur.  A  dreamy  recollection  of  some  past  horror,  it  is  true  pursued  her  dur- 
ing her  rapid  and  speechless  flight ;  but  any  analysis  of  the  causes  conducing 
Lo  that  horror,  her  subjugated  farulties  were  unable  to  enter  upon.  She  had 
'ollowed  her  conductor  almost  without  consciousness,  a. id  with  such  decf*  al)- 
<orption  of  spirit,  that  she  neither  once  conjectured  whither  they  were  gointr. 
(lor  what  was  to  be  the  final  issue  of  their  flight.  But  now,  when  she  sKwd 
»n  the  lake  shore,  suddenlj'-  awakened,  as  if  by  some  startling  spell,  to  cvury 
harrowing  recollection,  and  with  her  attention  assisted  by  objects  long  en- 
leared,  and  rendered  familiar  to  her  gaze — wlien  she  beheld  the  vessel  that 
had  last  borne  her  across  the  still  bosom  of  the  Huron,  fleeing  for  ever  from 
the  fortress  where  her  arrival  had  been  so  joyously  hailed — when  she  saw 
that  fortress  itself  presenting  the  hideous  spectacle  of  a  blackened  mass  of 
ruins  fast  crumbling  into  nothingness,  a  faintncss.  as  of  death,  came  over  her. 
and  she  sank  without  life  on  the  beach.  Of  what  passed  afterwards,  she  had 
no  recollection.  She  neither  knew  how  sh^  had  got  into  the  canoe,  nor  what 
means  the  Indian  had  taken  to  secure  her  approach  to  the  schooner.    She  had 


WACOVITA,  OR,  THX  PBOPEICT. 


16S 


\\  p^t\  was  In 
[k|)th8  of  the 
a,  OucanaHta 
line  with  tho 
lature  of  the 
;nnit.  They 
ut  meeting  a 
a  themselves, 
i-likc  excava- 
t,  of  an  enor- 

with  several 
oiig  from  tlio 
f  the  blankets 
ind  shoulders 
urposc.  Sho 
isly  pursued ; 
iitly  at  a  great 

Indian  gazed 
ion,  evi<iently 
vard  upon  the 

the  direction 
iug  her  llight 
seemed  ready 
way  upon  tha 
mingle  I  flaai* 
iversa  wreo*» 

she  had  v,\i 

by  no  effort 

friend  in  Ou- 

hat  generous 

^  strongly  in 

►revious  man- 

lued  her  dur- 

^es  conducing 

on.    She  had 

?uch  deep  al)- 

V  were  go'ne. 

len  she  sKwd 

pell,  to  cvury 

'cts  long  en- 

le  vessel  tliat 

for  ever  from 

hen  she  .saw 

ned  mass  of 

ime  over  lu^r. 

ards,  she  had 

loe,  nor  what 

ler.    She  had 


no  consofousness  of  having  been  removed  to  the  baric  of  tbe  Oanndfan,  nor 
did  she  even  remember  having  risen  and  gazed  throu<rh  tlie  foliage  on  the 
vessel  at  her  side ;  but  she  presinned,  the  chill  air  of  the  morning  having 
partially  restored  pulsation,  she  had  moved  instinctively  from  her  recumbent 
iKisition  to  the  spot  in  whicli  her  spectre-like  coiuitonanre  had  been  perceived 
by  Fuller.  The  first  moment  of  lier  rcliirning  reason  was  that  when,  stand- 
ing on  the  deck  of  the  schooner,  she  found  herself  so  unexpectedly  clasped  to 
the  heart  of  her  lover. 

Twilight  had  entirely  passed  away  when  Miss  do  Ilaldimar  completed  her 
sad  narrative;  and  already  the  crew,  roused  to  exertion  by  the  swelling 
breeze,  were  once  more  engaged  in  weighing  tlie  anchor,  and  setting  and 
trimmnig  tho  sails  of  the  schooner,  which  latter  soon  began  to  shoot  round 
the  concealing  headland  into  the  opening  of  the  Sinclair.  A  deathlike  silence 
prevailed  throughout  the  decks  of  the  little  bark,  as  her  bows,  dividing  the 
waters  of  the  basin  that  formed  its  source,  gradually  immerged  into  the  cur- 
rent of  that  deep  but  narrow  river ;  so  narrow,  indeed,  that  from  its  centre 
the  least  active  of  the  mariners  might  have  leaped  without  difficulty  to  either 
shore.  This  was  the  most  critical  part  of  the  dangerous  navigation.  With 
a  wide  seaboard,  and  full  command  of  their  helm,  they  bixl  nothing  to  fear ; 
but  so  limited  was  the  passage  of  this  river,  it  was  with  diflieiiUy  the  yards 
and  masts  of  the  schooner  could  be  kept  disengaged  from  the  projecting 
boughs  of  the  dense  forest  that  lined  the  .adjacent  shores  to  their  very  junc- 
tion with  the  water.  The  darkness  of  the  night,  moreover,  while  it  promised 
to  shield  them  from  the  observation  of  the  savages,  contributed  greatly  to 
perplex  their  movements  ;  for  such  was  the  abruptness  w  ith  which  the  river 
wound  itself  round  in  various  directions,  that  it  required  a  mim  constantly 
on  the  alert  at  the  bows  to  apprise  the  helmsman  of  the  course  he  should 
ttcer,  to  avoid  collision  with  tho  sltoros.  Canopies  of  weaving  branches  mei 
in  various  (Jirections  far  above  their  heads,  and  tlirough  these  tlio  schooner 
glided  with  a  sileni:e  that  might  liave  called  up  the  idea  of  a  Stygian  freight. 
Meanwhile,  the  men  stood  to  their  guns,  concealing  the  matches  in  their  war- 
buckets  as  before ;  and  while  they  strained  both  ear  and  eye  through  the 
surrounding  gloom  to  discover  the  slightest  evidence  of  danger,  griisped  the 
handles  of  their  cui lasses  vvitli  a  firm  hand,  ready  to  unsheathe  tl»em  at  the 
Hmt  intimation  of  alarm. 

At  tho  suggistiou  of  llic  boatswain,  who  hinted  ar  toe  ncce-^sit}'  of  havmg 
ciMrcd  decks,  Captain  de  llaldinmr  had  jn-evaiied  on  his  unfortunate  relatives 
to  reiire  to  the  small  cabin  arranged  for  their  reception  ;  iiud  here  they  wcr« 
attended  by  an  aged  female,  who  had  long  followed  the  fortunes  of  the  crew 
«nd  acted  in  the  twofold  character  )(  laundress  and  semi^tress.  He  himself, 
with  Sir  Everard.  continued  on  deck  watching  the  progress  of  the  vessel  with 
ao  anxiety  that  became  more  intense  at  each  succeeding  hour.  Hitherto  their 
oourse  had  been  unimpeded,  save  by  the  obstacles  already  onumerated ;  and 
they  hat'  no-r^  at  an  hour  before  dawn,  gained  a  point  that  promised  a  speedy 
termination  to  their  danger  and  perplexities.  JJefore  tliem  lay  a  reach  in 
the  river,  enveloped  in  more  than  ordinary  gloom,  prodticed  l)y  the  continuous 
weaving  of  the  tops  of  the  overhanging  trees  ;  and  in  the  perspective,  a  gleam 
of  relieving  light,  denoting  the  near  vicinity  of  the  lake  that  lay  at  the  oppo- 
iite  extremity  of  the  Sinclair,  whose  name  it  also  bore.  This  was  the  nar- 
rowest part  of  tho  rivei ;  and  so  apru-oximato  were  its  shores^  that  the  yesseJ 


I   i  t-M 


184 


WAOOyiTA,  dR,  THB  PROPHICT. 


liiH 


In  her  oottne  could  not  fiiil  to  come  in  contact  both  with  tlie  obtruding  ibiiftg* 
of  the  forest  and  the  dense  bulrushes  skirting  the  edge  of  either  bank. 

"  If  we  get  safe  through  this  here  place,"  said  the  boatswain,  in  a  rough 
whisper  to  his  anxious  and  attentive  auditors,  "  I  think  as  how  I'll  venture 
to  answer  for  the  crafc.  T  can  see  daylight  dancing  u  ,»on  the  lake  already. 
Ten  minutes  more  and  she  will  be  there."  Tlicn  turning  to  the  man  at  the 
helm;—"  Keep  her  in  the  centre  of  the  stream,  Jim.  Don't  you  see  you're 
hugging  the  weather  shore  ?" 

"  It  would  take  the  devil  himself  to  tell  wh  ch  is  the  centre,"  growled  the 
sailor,  in  the  same  supprt'ssed  tone.  "One  Tiiight  steer  with  one's  eyes  shut 
in  such  a  queer  place  as  this,  and  never  be  no  v.  orser  off  than  with  them  open." 

"  Steady  her  helm,  steady,"  rt^joined  MulliiH,  "  it's  as  dark  as  pitch,  to  b« 
Bure,  but  the  passage  is  straight  as  an  arrow,  and  with  a  steady  helm  you 
can't  miss  it.    Make  for  the  light  ahead." 

"  Abaft  there  !"  hurriedly  and  loudly  shou'ed  the  man  on  the  look-out  at 
the  bows,  "  there's  a  tree  Ifing  across  the  rive  •,  and  we're  just  upon  it." 

While  he  yet  spoke,  and  before  the  boats wr. in  could  give  such  instructions 
as  the  emergency  required,  the  vessel  suddenly  struck  against  the  obstacle  in 
question  ;  but  the  concussion  was  not  of  the  violent  nature  that  might  have 
been  anticipated.  The  course  of  the  schooner,  at  no  one  period  particularly 
rapid,  had  been  considerably  checked  since  her  entrance  into  the  gloomy  arch, 
in  the  centre  of  which  her  present  accident  had  occurred ;  so  that  it  was 
without  immediate  injury  to  her  hull  and  spars  she  had  been  thus  suddenly 
brought  to.  But  this  was  not  the  most  alarning  part  of  the  affait.  Captaio 
de  Ilaldimar  and  Sir  Everard  both  recollected,  that  in  making  the  same  pas- 
sage, not  forty-eight  hours  previously,  they  had  encountered  no  obstacle  of 
the  kind,  and  a  misgiving  of  danger  rose  simultaneously  to  the  hearts  of  each. 
It  was,  however,  a  thing  of  too  common  occurrence,  where  storm  and  tempest 
were  so  prevalent  and  partial,  to  create  more  than  a  mere  temporary  alarm ; 
for  it  was  quite  as  probable  the  barrier  had  been  interposed  by  some  fitful 
outburst  of  nature,  as  that  it  arose  from  design  on  the  part  of  their  enemies : 
and  when  the  vessel  had  continued  stationary  for  some  minutes,  without  the 
prepared  and  expectant  crew  discovering  the  slightest  indication  of  attack, 
the  former  impression  was  preserved  by  the  ofScers — at  least  avowedly  to 
those  around. 

"  Bear  a  hand,  my  lads,  and  cut  away,"  at  length  ordered  the  boatswainj 
m  a  low  but  clear  tone ;  "  half  a  dozen  at  eacli  end  of  the  stick,  and  we  shall 
iwon  clear  a  passage  for  the  craft." 

A  dozen  sailors  grasped  their  axes,  and  hastened  forward  to  execute  th% 
command.  They  sprang  lightly  from  the  entangled  bows  of  the  schooner,  and 
diverging  in  equal  numbers  moved  to  either  extremity  of  the  fallen  tree. 

"  This  is  sailing  through  the  heart  of  the  American  forest  with  a  vengeance," 
fluttered  Mullins  whose  annoyance  at  their  detention  was  strongly  manifest 
•d  as  he  paced  up  and  down  the  deck.  "  Shiver  my  topsails,  if  ft  isn't  baa 
enough  to  clear  the  Sinclair  at  any  time,  much  more  so  when  one's  running 
for  one's  life,  and  not  a  wliisper's  length  from  one's  enemies.  Do  you  know 
Captain,"  abruptly  checking  his  movement,  and  familiarly  placing  his  hand  on 
the  shoulder  of  De  Haldimar,  "  the  last  time  we  sailed  through  this  very 
reach  I  couldn't  help  telling  poor  Captain  Danvers,  God  rest  his  soul,  what  a 
nice  spot  it  was  for  an  Ingian  ambi::£cade,  if  they  had  only-  gun^tion  enough 


I; 


ruding  (bliag« 
bank. 

in,  in  a  rough 
V  I'll  venture 
lake  already. 
B  man  at  the 
lu  see  you're 

erowled  the 
e's  eyes  shut 
1  them  open." 
I  pitch,  to  b« 
dy  helm  you 

e  look-out  at 

pon  it." 

instructions 

le  obstacle  in 

;  might  have 

I  particularly 

gloomy  arch, 

>  that  it  was 

ms  suddenly 

UK.    Captaia 

he  same  pas> 

obstacle  of 

tarts  of  e«ch. 

and  tempest 

)rary  alarm  j 

some  fitful 

leir  enemies : 

without  the 

n  of  attack, 

avowedly  to 

boatswain, 
ind  we  shall 

execute  th% 
chooner,  and 
m  tree, 
vengeance," 
ly  manifest 
'  it  isn't  bai 
je's  running 
a  you  know 
his  hand  on 
h  this  very 
M>ul,  what  a 
•tion  »nough 


WAMVITA,  OR,  THB  PSOraSOT.  ^Si' 

tWn*  of  H." 

**  Hark  I"  Mid  the  ofRcer,  whose  heart,  eye.  and  ear  were  painfyiUy  on  (Vi 
ainrt.  "  what  rustling  is  that  we  hear  overhead  ?" 

"  It's  Jack  Fuller,  no  doubt,  your  honor ;  I  sent  him  up  to  clear  away  the 
branches  from  the  main  topmast  rigging."  Then  raising  his  head,  and  ele- 
vating his  voice,  "  Hilloa  !  aloft  there !" 

The  only  answer  was  a  groan,  followed  by  a  deeper  commotion  among  the 
rustling  foliage. 

"Why,  what  the  devil's  the  matter  with  you  now,  Jack?"  pursued  the 
l>oatswain,  in  a  voice  of  angry  vehemence.  "Are  ye  scared  at  another  ghost, 
that  ye  keep  groaning  there  after  that  fashion  ?" 

At  that  moment  a  heavy  dull  mass  was  heard  tumbling  through  the  upper 
rigging  of  the  schooner  towards  the  deck,  and  presently  a  human  form  fell  at 
the  veiT  feet  of  the  small  group,  composed  of  the  two  officers  and  the  indivi- 
dual  who  had  last  spoken. 

"  A  light,  a  light !"  shouted  the  boatswain  ;  "  the  foolish  chap  has  lost  hia 
hold  through  fear,  and  ten  to  one  if  he  hasn't  cracked  his  skull-piece  for  hia 
pains.    Quick  there  wfth  a  light,  and  let's  see  what  we  can  do  for  him." 

The  attention  of  all  had  been  arrested  by  the  sound  of  the  falling  weight, 
and  as  one  oi"  the  sailors  now  advanced,  bearing  a  dark  lantern  from  below, 
the  whole  of  the  crew,  with  the  exception  of  those  employed  on  the  fallen  tree, 
leathered  themselves  in  a  knot  round  the  motionless  form  of  the  prostrate  man. 
But  no  sooner  had  their  eyes  encountered  the  object  of  their  interest,  when 
each  individual  started  suddenly  and  involuntarily  back,  baring  his  cutlass, 
and  drawing  forth  his  pistol,  the  whole  presenting  a  group  of  countenances 
strongly  marked  by  various  shades  of  consternation  and  alarm,  even  while 
their  attitudes  were  those  of  men  prepared  for  some  fierce  and  desperate 
danger.  It  was  indeed  Fuller  whom  the^  beheld,  but  not  laboring,  ins  the 
boatswain  had  imagined,  under  the  mere  influenoe  of  superstitious  fear.  He 
was  dead,  and  the  blood  flowing  from  a  deep  woand,  innictcfi  by  a  sharp  in- 
strument in  his  chest,  and  the  scalped  head,  too  plainly  told  the  manner  of 
his  death,  and  the  danger  that  awaited  them  all. 

A  pause  ensued,  but  it  was  short.  Before  any  one  could  find  words  to  re- 
mark on  the  horrible  circumstances,  the  appaJling  war-cry  of  the  savages 
burst  loudly  from  every  quarter  upon  the  ears  of  the  devoted  crew.  In  the 
desperation  of  the  moment,  several  of  the  men  clutched  their  cutlasses  be- 
tween their  teeth,  and  seizing  the  concealed  matches,  rushed  to  their  respec- 
tive stations  at  the  guns.  It  was  in  vain  the  boatswain  called  out  to  them,  in 
a  voice  of  stem  authority,  to  desist,  intimating  that  their  only  protection  lay 
in  the  reservation  of  the  fire  of  their  batteries.  Goaded  and  excited,  beyond 
the  power  of  resistance  to  an  impulse  that  set  all  subordination  at  defiance, 
they  applied  the  matches,  and  almost  at  the  same  instant  the  terrific  dis- 
chaige  of  both  broadsides  took  place,  rocking  the  vessel  to  the  water's  edge, 
and  reverberating,  throughout  the  confined  space  in  which  she  lay,  like  tne 
deadly  explosion  of  some  deeply  excavated  mine. 

Scarcely  had  the  guns  been  fired,  when  the  seamen  became  sensible  of  their 
fanprudence.  The  echocf  were  yet  struggling  to  force  a  passage  through  the 
dense  forest,  when  a  second  yell  of  the  Indians  announced  the  fiercest  joy  and 
triumph*  unmiiEed  by  disaster,  at  the  result  i  and  then  the  ^uick  leai^iog  of 


^>. 


^^r*^ 
v^^^^^ 

.0...  \^"1, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


2^ 


/. 


O 


^  .5i% 


A 


fA 


1.0 


I.I 


■so    """^ 


2.5 


2.2 


lia  III  2.0 


1.8 


—  "1%  ilM 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


<. 

<^^^ 

V  A^^ 


184 


WACOVSTA,  OB,  THE  PKCPHSCT. 


niiuiT'  Ibrms  oonld  be  heard,  u  they  divided  the  crashfng  undenrood,  and 
nuhed  forward  tit  dose  with  their  pttj.  It  wns  evident,  from  Ch*  difTercBM 
•f  aotind,  their  first  cry  had  been  pealed  forth  while  lying  prostrate  on  the 
ground,  and  secure  from  the  bullets,  ^vhosc  haniiless  discharge  that  cry  was 
mtended  to  provoke ;  for  now  the  voices  seemed  to  rise  progressively  hom  the 
enrth.  until  they  reached  the  level  of  eaclj  iinllvidual  height,  and  were  already 
almost  hotly  breathing  in  the  ears  of  those  they  were  destmed  to  fill  with  il' 
Umitable  di!>niay. 

"Shiver  my  topsails,  but  this  comes  of  disobeying  orders,"  roared  the  boat- 
swain, in  a  voice  of  mingled  anger  and  vexation.  "  The  Ingians  are  quite  as 
cunning  as  oivselves,  and  am't  to  be  frighted  that  way.  Quick,  every  cutlass 
^nd  pistol  to  his  gangway,  and  let's  do  our  best.  Pass  the  word  forward  for 
che  axemen  to  return  to  tlieir  quarters." 

Recovered  from  their  first  paroxysm  of  alarm,  the  men  at  length  became 
sensible  of  the  presence  of  a  directing  power,  which,  humble  as  it  was,  their 
long  habits  of  discipline  had  taught  them  to  respect,  and,  headed  on  the  one 
:Me  by  Captain  de  Ilaldimar,  and  on  the  other  by  Sir  Everard  Valletort, 
oeithcr  of  whom,  however,  entertained  the  most  remote  chance  of  success, 
flew,  as  commau(i:Ml,  to  their  respective  gangways.  The  yell  of  the  Indians 
had  ceased,  and  all  was  hushed  into  stillness ;  but  as  the  anxious  and  quick- 
sighted  officers  gazed  over  the  bulwarks,  they  fancied  they  could  perceive,  even 
through  the  deep  gloom  that  every  where  prevailed,  the  forms  of  men,  resting 
in  cautious  and  eager  attitudes,  on  the  very  verge  of  the  banks,  and  at  a  dis- 
tance of  little  more  than  half  pistol  shot.  Every  heart  beat  with  expectancy 
—every  eye  was  riveted  intently  in  front,  to  watch  and  meet  the  P-'st  move- 
ments of  their  foes,  but  not  a  sound  of  approach  was  audible  to  the  equally 
attentive  ear.  In  this  state  of  aching  suspense  they  might  have  continued 
about  five  minutes,  when  suddenly  their  hearts  were  made  to  quail  by  a  third 
cry,  that  came,  not  as  previously,  f»*om  the  banks  of  the  river,  but  from  the 
very  centre  of  their  own  decks,  tnA  from  the  topmast  and  rigging  of  the 
achooner.  So  suddden  and  unexpected  too  was  this  fresh  danger,  that  before 
the  two  parties  hod  time  to  turn,  and  assume  a  new  posture  of  defence,  seve- 
ral of  them  had  already  fallen  under  the  butchering  blades  of  their  enemies. 
Then  commenced  a  desperate  but  short  conflict  mingled  vrith  ycllings,  that 
again  were  answered  from  every  point ;  and  rapidly  gliding  down  the  pendant 
ropes,  were  to  be  seen  the  active  and  dusky  forms  of  men,  swelling  the  num- 
ber of  assailants,  who  had  gained  the  deck  in  the  same  noiseless  manner,  until 
resistance  became  almost  hopeless. 

"Ha!  I  hear  the  footsteps  of  our  lads  at  last,"  exclaimed  Mullins  exult- 
ingly  to  his  comrades^  as  he  finished  despatching  a  third  savage  with  his 
sturdy  weapon.    "  Quick,  men,  quick,  up  with  hatchet  and  cutlass,  and  take 

them  in  the  rear.    If  we  are  to  die,  let's  die "  game,  he  would  perhaps 

have  added,  but  death  arrested  the  word  on  his  lips ;  and  his  corpse  rolled 
along  the  deck  until  its  further  progress  was  stopped  by  the  stiflened  body  of  ■■ 
the  unhappy  Fuller. 

Notwithstanding  the- fall  of  their  brave  leader,  and  the  whoopings  jf  their 
enemies,  the  fiamng  spirits  of  the  men  were  for  a  moment  excited  by  the  an- 
nouncement of  the  return  even  of  the  small  force  of  the  axemen,  and  they 
defended  themselvea  with  a  courage  and  determination  worthy  of  a  better^ 


t 


WACfOYfTA,  OB.  Tax  PROPHSCT. 


167 


uul 

■VBM 

th« 

was 
the 


tiass 
for 


result ;  but  when,  by  the  lurid  light  of  the  torches,  now  lying  hnrnlng  about 
the  decks,  they  turned  and  beheld  not  their  companions,  but  a  treah  band  of 
Indians,  at  whose  pouch  belts  dangled  the  reeJking  scalps  of  their  murdered 
ftiends,  they  at  once  relinquished  the  combat  as  hopeless,  and  gaTethemsdvef 
nnresitingly  to  be  bound  bv  their  captors. 

.  Meanwhile  the  cousins  expeiiciiLvU  a  renewal  of  all  (hose  horrors  from 
which  their  distracteu  mmds  had  been  temporarily  relieved ;  and,  petrified 
with  alarm,  as  thev  lay  in  ihe  solitary  berth  fUxi  contained  them  both,  en- 
dured sufferings  infinitely  more  terrible  than  death  itself.  The  early  part  of 
the  tumult  they  had  noticed  almost  without  comprehending  its  cause,  and  but 
»"rti  the  teniae  cry  of  'he  Indians  that  had  preceded  them,  would  hare  nuRto* 
kcii  the  deafening  brotulsides  for  the  blowing  up  of  the  vessel,  so  tremendous 
and  violent  had  been  the  concussion.  Na}-,  there  was  a  uioment  when  Miss 
de  llaldimar  felt  a  pang  of  deep  disappointment  and  regret  ut  the  misconcep- 
tion :  for,  with  the  fearful  recollection  of  past  events,  so  strongly  impressed  on 
her  bleeding  heart,  she  could  not  but  acknowledge,  that  to  be  engulfed  in  one 
general  and  disastrous  explosion,  was  mercy  compared  »yith  the  alternative 
of  falling  into  the  hands  of  those  to  whom  her  loathing  spirit  had  been  too 
fatally  taught  to  deny  even  the  commonest  attributes  ci  humanity.  As  for 
Clara,  she  had  not  the  power  to  think,  or  to  forn»  a  conjecture  on  the  subject : 
she  was  merely  sensible  of  a  repetition  of  the  horrible  scenes  from  which  she 
had  so  recently  been  snatched,  and  with  a  pale  cheek,  a  fixed  eye,  and  an  al- 
most pulseless  heart,  lay  without  motion  in  the  inner  side  of  the  berth.  The 
piteous  spectacle  of  her  cousin's  alarm  lent  a  forced  activity  to  the  despair  of 
Miss  de  Haldimar,  in  whom  apprehension  produced  that  strong  eneigy  of 
excitement  that  sometimes  gives  to  helplessness  the  character  of  true  courage. 
With  the  increasing  clamor  of  appalling  conflict  on  deck,  this  excitement  grew 
at  every  moment  stronger,  xmtil  it  finally  became  irrepressible,  so  that  at 
length,  when  through  the  cabin  windows  there  suddenly  streamed  a  flood  of 
yellow  light,  extinguishing  that  of  the  lamp  that  threw  its  flickering  beams 
around  the  cabin,  she  flung  herself  impetuously  from  the  berth,  and,  despite 
of  the  aged  and  trembling  female  who  attempted  to  detain  her,  burst  open 
the  narrow  entrance  to  the  cabin,  and  rushed  up  the  steps  communicating 
with  the  deck. 

The  picture  that  there  met  her  eyes  was  at  once  graphic  and  fearful  in  the 
extreme.    On  either  side  of  the  river,  lines  of  streaming  torches  were  waved  '• 
b>  dusky  warriors  high  above  their  heads,  reflecting  the  grim  countenances, 
not  only  of  those  who  bore  them,  but  of  dense  groups  in  their  rear,  whose 
numbers  were  alone  concealed  by  the  foliage  of  the  forest  in  which  they  stood. 
From  the  branches  that  wove  themselves  across  the  centre  of  the  river,  and  . 
the  topmast  and  rigging  of  the  vessel,  the  same  strong  yellow  light,  pro<Iuced 
b^  the  bark  of  the  birch  tree  steeped  in  gum,  streamed  down  upon  the  decks 
*jelow,  rendering  each  line  and  block  of  the  schooner  as  distinctly  visible  as  if 
it  had  been  noon  en  the  sunniest  of  those  far  distant  lakes.    The  deck  itself 
was  covered  with  the  bodies  of  slain  men — sailors  and  savages  mixed  togeth-^ 
er ;  and  amid  these  were  to  be  seen  fierce  warriors,  reclining  triumphantly 
and  indolently  on  their  rifles,  while  others  were  occupied  in  secdring  the  arms . 
of  their  captives  with  leathern  thongs  behind  their  backs.    The  silence  that 
now  provftiled  was  stronisly  in  contrast- with,  and.even  more  fearfiil  thaautbt. 


1S8 


WAc<yraTA,  oRt  TBS  FRoPEKnr. 


horrid  shouts  hj  whlcih  it  had  been  ptreceded ;  and,  bnt  fbr  the  ghastly  coun> 
tenanoes  of  the  oaptiTea,  and  the  quick  rolling  eyes  of  the  savageH.  Mis8  d« 
Ilaldimar  mip;ht  have  imagined  herself  the  sport  of  some  extraordinary  and 
exciting  illusion.  Her  glance  over  these  promment  features  in  the  tragedy 
had  been  cursory,  yet  accurate.  It  naw  rested  on  one  that  had  more  imme- 
diate and  terrifying  interest  for  herself.  At  a  few  paces  in  front  of  the  com- 
panion ladder,  and  with  their  backs  turned  towards  her.  stood  two  individuals, 
whose  attitudes  denoted  the  purpose  of  men  resolved  to  sell  with  their  livep 
alone  a  passage  to  a  taJl  Herce-looking  savage,  whose  countenance  betrayed 
every  mark  of  triumphant  and  tlcadly  passion,  while  he  apparently  hesitated 
whether  his  uplifted  arm  should  stay  the  weapon  it  wielded.  These  individ- 
uals were  Captain  de  Haldimar  and  Sir  Everard  Valletort ;  and  to  the  former 
•f  these  the  attention  of  the  savage  was  more  immediatelv  and  exultingly 
directed ;  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  Miss  de  Haldimar  thought  she  could  read 
in  the  fe-'ocious  expression  of  his  features  the  death-warrant  of  her  cousin. 
In  the  wild  terror  of  the  moment  she  gave  a  piercing  scream  that  was  answer 
e«i  by  a  hundred  yelling  voices,  and  rushing  between  her  lover  and  his  enemy 
threw  herself  wildly  and  supplicatingly  at  the  feet  of  the  latter.  Uttering  a 
savage  laugh,  the  monster  spurned  her  from  him  with  his  foot,  when,  quick 
M  thought,  a  pistol  was  dischari^ed  within  a  few  inches  of  his  face:  but.  with 
a  rapidity  x|ua.  to  that  of  his  assailant,  he  bent  aside  his  head,  and  the  baU 
pHssed  harmlessly  on.  The  yell  that  followed  was  terrific ;  and  while  it  was 
ytft  swelling  into  fullne.ss.  Captain  de  Haldimar  felt  an  iron  hand  fhriously 

Eippling  his  throat,  and,  ere  the  grasp  was  relinquished,  he  again  stood  the 
tind  and  passive  victim  '^f  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis- 


OHAPTER  XXIV 

The  'nterval  that  succeeded  to  the  last  council  scene  of  the  Indians  was 
passed  by  the  officers  of  Detroit  in  a  state  of  inexpressible  anxiety  and  doubt. 
The  fears  entertained  for  the  fate  of  their  companions,  who  had  set  out  in  the 
perilotu)  and  almost  forlorn  hope  of  reaching  Michillimackinac,  in  time  to  pre- 
vent the  consummation  of  the  threatened  treachery,  had,  in  some  degree,  if 
not  wholly,  been  allayed  by  the  story  narrated  by  tne  Ottawa  chief.  It  was 
evident,  from  his  statement,  the  party  had  ag>>in  met,  and  been  engaged  in 
fearful  struggle  with  the  gigantic  warrior  thev  had  all  so  much  reason  to  re- 
collect ;  and  it  was  equally  apparent,  that  in  that  struggle  they  had  been  suc- 
cessful. But  still,  so  many  obstacles  were  likely  to  be  opposed  to  their 
navigation  of  the  several  lakes  and  rivers  over  which  lay  their  course,  it  was 
almost'  feared,  even  if  they  eventually  escaped  unharmed  themooives,  they 
could  not  possibly  reach  the  fort  in  time  to  communicate  the  danger  that 
awaited  their  firiends.  It  Is  true,  the  time  gained  by  Governor  de  Haldimar 
on  the  first  occasion  had  afifordea  a  considerable  interval,  of  which  advantage 
might  be  taken ;  but  it  was  also,  on  the  other  handj  uncertain  whether  Pon- 
teac  had  commanded  the  same  delay  in  the  council  of  the  chiefs  investing 
HiduUlnMekinao.  to  which  he  hi^l  himself  asst^sted.    Three  da^ys  were  su£9- 


WAeOVSTA.  OR,  TET,  PBOPHIGT. 


189 


fwnC  to  enable  an  Indian  warrior  to  perfbrm  the  Journey  bjriand ;  and  It  wan 
ehiefly  on  this  vagne  and  uncertain  ground  they  based  whatever  littl<«  of  hope 
was  entertainod  on  the  subject. 

It  had  been  settled  at  the  departure  of  ih?)  adventurerb,  that  the  instant 
they  efTocted  a  communication  with  the  schooner  on  Laica  Huron.  Franfois 
should  be  immediately  sent  back,  with  iiiHtructions  so  to  contrive  the  period 
of  his  return,  that  his  canoe  should  make  its  appearance  soon  after  daybreak 
it  the  neatest  extremity  of  Hog  Island,  the  position  of  which  has  been  do- 
wribed  in  a  previous  chapter.  From  this  point  a  certain  signal,  that  could 
be  uasily  distinguished  with  the  aid  of  a  telescope,  was  to  be  made  from 
the  canoe,  which,  without  being  of  a  nature  to  attract  the  attention  of  the 
Mavages,  was  yet  to  be  such  us  could  not  well  be  mistaken  by  the  garrison. 
This  was  a  precaution  adopted,  not  onl}'  with  the  view  of  giving  the  earliest 
ratiniation  of  the  result  of  the  enterprise,  but  lest  the  Canadian  should  be 
prevented,  by  any  closer  investment  on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  from  com- 
municating  personally  with  the  fort  in  the  way  he  had  been  accustomed. 

It  will  easily  be  comprehended.  t>iercfore.  that  as  the  period  approached 
wher  they  might  rea.sonahly  look  f<»r  the  return  of  Frank's,  if  he  should  p> 
turn  at  all,  the  nervous  anxiety  of  the  officers  became  more  and  more  devel> 
oped.  Upwards  of  a  week  nad  elapsed  since  the  departure  of  their  friends ; 
and  already,  for  the  last  day  or  two.  their  impatience  had  led  them,  at  early 
dawn,  and  with  beating  hearts,  to  that  quarter  of  the  rampart  which  over- 
looked the  eastern  extremity  of  Ilog  Island.  Hitherto,  however,  their  eager 
watching  had  been  in  vain.  As  far  as  our  recollection  of  the  Canadian  tradi- 
tion of  this  story  serves  us.  it  must  have  been  on  the  fourth  night  after  tht 
final  discomfiture  of  the  plans  of  Ponteac,  and  the  tenth  fpun  the  departure 
of  the  adventurers,  that  the  officers  were  assembled  in,  the  mess-room,  partak* 
ing  of  the  scanty  and  frugal  supper  to  whkh  their  long  oonflnement  had  rv 
4m)ed  them.  The  snoiect  otf  :}«>ir  oonferwtion  as  it  was  ever  of  thiir 
Uioiights,  was  the  probable  fate  of  their  oompanrons }  and  many  and  varioua, 
although  all  equally  melancholy,  were  the  conjectures  offered  as  to  the  result 
There  was  on  the  countenance  of  each,  that  deep  and  fixed  expression  of 
gloom,  which,  if  it  did  not  indicate  any  unmanliness  of  despair,  told  at  least 
that  hope  was  nearly  extinct :  but  more  especially  was  this  remarkable  in 
the  young  but  sadly  altered  Charles  de  Haldimar,  who.  with  a  vacant  eye 
and  a  pre-oocupied  manner,  seemed  wholly  abstracted  fVom  the  scene  before 

All  was  silence  in  the  body  of  the  fort.  The  men  off  duty  had  long  since 
retired  to  rest  in  their  clothes,  and  only  the  "  All's  well !"  of  the  sentinels 
was  heard  at  intervals  of  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  as  the  cry  echoed  firom  mouth 
to  mouth  in  the  line  of  circuit.  Suddenly,  however,  between  two  of  those 
intervals,  and  during  a  pause  in  the  languid  conversation  of  the  officers,  the  sharp 
challenge  of  a  sentinel  was  heard,  and  then  quick  steps  on  the  rampart,  as  of 
men  hastening  to  the  point  whence  the  challenge  had  been  given.  The  officers, 
whom  this  new  excitement  seemed  to  arouse  into  fresh  activity,  humediy 
quitted  the  room ;  and  with  as  little  noise  as  possible,  gained  the  spot  where 
the  voice  had  been  heard.  Several  men  were  bending  eagerly  over  the  ranw 
part,  and,  with  their  muskets  at  the  recover,  riveting  their  Kase  on  a  dark 
and  motionless  object  that  lay  on  the  verge  of  the  dit^  imnwOitwy  bwettli 


f. 


190 


WICOUSTA,  OR,  THX  PROPHIdT 


'What  have  you  here.  Mitchell  T^  asked  Captain  Bleatdn^n,  «rho  was  In 
command  of  the  guard^  and  who  had  recognised  the  gruff  yoioe  dt  the  yeteran 
hn  the  challen^  just  given. 

"  An  American  burnt  log,  your  hoiior^"  muttered  the  soldier,  "  if  one  wu 
to  judge  from  il..  stillness ;  but  if  it  is,  it  must  have  been  rolled  there  within 
the  last  minute ;  for  I'll  take  my  affidayy  it  wasn't  there  when  I  passed  last 
in  my  beat." 

"  An  American  burnt  log,  indeed !  it's  some  rascal  of  a  spy,  rather,**  re- 
marked Captain  Erskine.  "  Who  knows  but  it  may  be  our  big  friend,  come 
to  pay  us  a  visit  again  ?  And  yet  he  is  not  half  long  enough  for  him,  either. 
Can't  you  try  and  tickle  him  with  the  bayonet,  any  of  you  fellows,  and  see 
whether  he  is  made  of  flesh  and  blood  ?" 

Although  this  observation  was  made  almost  without  object,  it  being  totally 
impossible  for  any  musket,  even  with  the  addition  of  its  bayonet,  to  reach 
more  than  half  way  across  the  ditch,  the  several  sentinels  threw  themselves 
on  their  chests,  and  stretching  over  the  rampart  as  far  as  possible,  made  the 
attempt  to  reach  the  suspicious  looking  object  that  lay  beyond.  No  sooner, 
however,  had  their  arms  been  extended  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be  utterly 
powerless,  when  the  dark  mass  was  seen  to  roll  away  in  in  opposite  direction, 
and  with  such  rapidity  that,  before  the  men  could  regai^i  their  feet  and  level 
their  muskets,  it  had  entirely  disappeared  from  their  vieT. 

"  Cleverly  managed^  to  give  the  red  skin  his  due,"  half  laughingly  observed 
Captain  Erskine,  while  his  brother  officers  continued  to  fix  their  eyes  in 
astonishment  on  the  spot  so  reccr.tly  occupied  by  the  strange  object;  "  but 
what  the  devil  could  be  his  motive  for  lying  there  so  If  ng  ?  Not  playing  the 
eavesdropper,  surely ;  and  yet,  if  he  meant  to  have  picked  off  a  sentme^  what 
was  to  have  prevented  him  from  doing  it  sooner  ?" 

"  He  had  evidently  no  armn,"  said  Ensign  Delme 

**  Na  nor  legs  either,  it  would  appear,"  resumed  the  literal  Erskine.  "  Curse 
me  if  lever  saw  anything  in  the  shape  of  a  human  form  bundled  together 
b  that  manner." 

"  I  mean  he  had  no  fire-arms*— no  rifle,"  pursued  Delme. 

"  And  if  he  had,  he  certainly  would  have  rifled  one  of  us  of  a  life,"  con- 
tinued the  captain,  laughing  at  his  own  conceit.  "  But  come,  the  bird  is  flown, 
and  we  have  only  to  ^<hank  ourselves  for  having  been  so  egregiously  dupe<L 
Had  Valletort  been  here,  ha  would  have  given  a  different  account  of  him." 

"Hist  I  listen!"  exclaimL'Ml  Lieutenant  Johnstone,  callins  the  attentim  of 
the  paztj  to  a  peculiar  and  low  sound  in  the  direction  in  which  the  supposed 
Indian  had  departed. 

It  was  repeated,  and  in  a  plaintive  tone,  indicating  a  d'isire  to  propitiate. 
Soon  afterwards  a  human  form  was  seen  advancing  slowly,  but  without  show 
either  of  concealment  or  hostility  in  its  movements.  It  finally  remained 
itationary  ou  the  spot  where  the  dark  and  shapeless  mass  had  been  first  per- 
oeived. 

••Another  Gucariasta  for  De  Haldimar,  no  doubt,"  observed  Captain 
Erskine,  after  a  moment's  pause.  "  These  grenadiers  carry  everytiiing  before 
them  as  well  in  love  as  in  war."  The  error  of  the  good-natured  officer  was, 
however,  obvious  to  all  but  himself.  The  figure,  which  was  now  distinctly 
^fwo^  vfk  outline  for  that  of  a  warrior,  stood  boldly  and  fearlessly  on  the  bridk 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PBOPHECt. 


191 


«r  the  ditch,  holding;  up  its  lea  arm,  in  the  hand  of  which  dangled  something 
that  was  visible  in  the  starlight,  and  pointing  energetically  to  this  pendant 
object  with  the  other.  A  vuico  from  one  of  the  party  now  addressed  the 
Indinn  in  two  several  dialects,  but  without  eliciting  a  reply.  He  either  un- 
derstood not,  or  would  not  answer  the  question  proposed,  but  continued 
pointing  significantly  to  the  indistinct  object  which  he  still  held  in  an  elevated 
position. 

^'  The  governor  must  be  apprised  of  this,"  observed  Captain  Blessington  to 
De  Ilaldimar.  who  was  his  subaltern  of  the  guard.  "  Hasten,  Charles,  to  ao> 
quaint  your  father,  and  receive  his  orders." 

The  voung  officer  willingly  obeyed  the  injunction  of  his  superior.  A  secret 
and  indefinable  hope  rushed  through  his  mind,  that  as  the  Indian  came  not  in 
hostility,  he  might  be  the  bearer  of  some  communication  from  their  friends } 
and  he  moved  rapidly  towards  that  part  of  the  building  occupied  by  his  father. 

The  light  of  a  lamp  suspended  over  the  piazza  leading  to  the  governor's 
rooms  reflecting  strongly  on  his  regimentals,  he  passed  unchallen^d  by  the 
sentinels  posted  there,  and  uninterruptedly  gained  a  door  that  opened  on  a 
narrow  passage,  at  the  ftirther  extremity  of  which  was  the  sitting-room  ususdly 
occupied  by  his  parent.  This  again  was  entered  from  the  same  passage  by  a 
second  door,  the  upper  part  of  which  was  of  common  glass,  enabling  any  one 
on  the  outside  to  trace  with  facility  every  object  within  wnen  the  place  was 
lighted  up. 

'  A  glance  was  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  youth  his  father  was  not  in  the  room ;  al- 
though there  was  strong  evidence  he  had  not  retired  for  the  night.  In  the  middle 
of  the  floor  stood  an  oaken  table,  and  on  this  lay  an  open  writing  desk,  with  a 
candle  on  each  side,  the  wicks  of  which  had  burnt  so  long  as  to  thraw  a  partial 
gloom  over  the  surrounding  wainscotting.  Scattered  about  the  table  and  desk 
were  a  number  of  letters  that  had  apparently  been  just  looked  at  or  read ;  and  in 
the  midst  of  these  an  open  case  of  red  morocco,  containing  a  miniature.  The 
appearance  of  these  letters,  thus  left  scattered  about  by  one  who  was  scrupu- 
lously exact  in  the  arrangement  of  his  papers,  added  to  the  circumstance  of 
the  neglected  and  burning  candles,  confirmed  the  young  officer  in  an  impres- 
sion that  his  father,  overcome  by  fatigue,  had  retired  into  his  bed-room,  and 
fallen  unconsciously  asleep.  Imagining,  therefore,  he  could  not,  without  diffi- 
culty, succeed  in  making  himself  heard,  and  deeming  the  urgency  of  the  case 
required  it,  he  determined  to  wave  the  usual  ceremony  of  knocking,  and  pene- 
trate tc  his  father's  bed-room  unannounced.  The  glass  door  being  without 
fastening  within,  easily  yielded  to  his  presure  of  the  latch ;  but  as  he  passed  by 
the  table,  a  strong  and  natural  feeling  of  curiosity  induced  him  to  cast  his  eye 
upon  the  miniature.  To  his  infinite  surprise,  nay,  almost  terror,  he  discovered 
it  was  that  of  his  mother — the  identical  portrait  which  his  sister  Clara  had 
worn  in  her  bosom  from  infancy,  and  which  he  had  seen  clasped  round  her 
neck  on  the  very  deck  of  the  schooner  in  which  she  sailed  for  Michillimackinaa 
He  felt  there  could  be  no  mistake,  for  only  one  miniature  of  the  sort  had  evei 
been  in  possession  of  the  family,  and  that  the  one  just  accounted  for.  Almost 
Rtupified  at  what  ho  saw,  and  scarcely  crediting  the  evidence  of  his  sensrs,  the 
young  officer  glanced  his  eye  hurriedly  alor^  on^  of  me  open  ir  ^<»  ctt»»  mif 
ai3und.  It  was  in  the  well  remembered  hanu-Tvrting  of  nis  moxnei,  nn«i  u»m>- 
fenced,  "Dear,  dearest  Jieip.nald."    Ait^v  tlfif  40Uowe4  t^pnaot^tA  uf  f^ 


198 


WACOUSTA,  OB.  THE  PROrflKOT. 


imnaani  no  womui  might  address  ozcept  to  «n  Affianced  lorur,  or  lh»  husband 
of  her  choice ;  and  his  heart  fdekened  irhiie  lie  read.  8ci.A3el7,  however,  had 
he  scanned  half  a  dozen  lines  «rhen  it  occared  to  him  he  was  riolating  some 
secret  of  his  parents;  and  difux>-atiaUnig  the  perusal  with  an  effort,  he  prepared 
to  quit  himself  of  his  mispion. 

On  raising  his  eyes  from  the  ^k^t  he  was  startled  by  the  appearance  of  his 
flither,  who,  with  a  st^era  bro^  «md  a  quiTering  lip,  stood  a  few  paces  from  the 
table^  apparently  too  much  o/ercome  by  his  indignation  to  be  able  to  utter  a 
bflntenoo.  Charles  de  IlalJimar  felt  all  the  awkwardness  of  his  position. 
Some  explanctioo  of  bis  uoiiduct,  however,  was  necessary ;  and  he  stwnmered 
forth  the  fact  of  the  ^<lrait  having  riveted  his  atteution,  from  its  striking  ro> 
semblance  to  thy.c  In  nic*  sister's  possession. 

"  And  to  what  du  these  letters  bear  resembknce  V*  demanded  the  governor, 
in  a  voice  that  'vP^mbled  in  its  attempt  to  be  calm,  while  he  fixed  his  penetrat* 
tng  eye  on  th^t  of  his  son.  "  They,  it  appears,  were  equally  objects  of  attnuv 
tion  with  you.'* 

''The  letter's  v/ere  in  the  haud-writing of  mv  mother;  and  I  was  irresistibly 
led  to  glance  di  one  of  them,"  replied  the  youth,  with  the  humility  of  conscious 
wrong.  ''  The  action  was  involuntary,  and  no  sooner  committed  than  repented 
of.  I  am  here,  my  &ther,  on  a  mission  of  importance,  which  must  account  for 
my  presence." 

"  A  mission  of  impoi  tance !"  repeated  the  governor,  with  more  of  sorrow 
than  of  aiiger  in  the  tone  in  which  be  now  spoke.  ''  On  what  mission  are  you 
h«re,  if  it  bo  not  to  intrude  unwarrantably  on  a  parent's  privacy  ?" 

The  young  officer's  cheek  flushed  high,  as  he  proudly  answered :— ^"  I  was 
Knt  by  Captain  Blessington,  sir,  to  take  your  orden  in  regard  to  an  Indian 
who  is  now  without  the  fort  under  somewhat  extfaordinary  circumstances, 
yet  evidently  without  intention  of  hostility.  It  is  supposed  he  bears  some  mes- 
sage from  my  brother." 

The  tone  of  candor  and  offended  pride  in  which  this  formal  announcement 
^duty  was  made  seemed  to  banish  iJl  suspicion  from  the  mind  of  the  govenor ; 
ud  he  remarked,  in  a  voice  that  had  more  of  the  kindness  that  had  latterly 
listinguished  his  address  to  his  son,  "Was  this,  then,  Charles,  the  only  motive 
A>r  your  abrupt  intrusion  at  this  hour  ?  Are  you  sure  no  inducement  of  pri- 
vate  curiosity  was  mixed  up  with  the  discharge  of  your  duty,  that  you  entered 
thus  unannounced  ?  You  must,  admit,  at  leastj  I  found  you  employed  in  a 
manner  diflerent  from  what  the  urgency  of  your  mission  womd  soem  to  justify.'* 

There  was  lurking  irony  in  this  speech ;  yet  the  softened  accents  of  his 
fkther,  in  some  measure,  disarmed  the  youth  of  the  bitterness  he  would  have 
flung  into  his  observation, — "That  no  man  on  earth,  his  parent  excepted, 
■hould  have  dared  to  insinuate  such  a  doubt  with  impimity." 

For  a  moment  Colonel  de  Haldimar  seemed  to  regard  his  son  with  a  Rur> 

Erised  but  satisfied  air,  as  if  he  had  not  expected  so  much  spirit,  in  one  whom 
e  had  been  accustomed  to  undervalue. 

"  I  believe  you,  Charles,'-  he  «.t  length  observed ;  "  forgive  the  justifiable 
doubt,  and  think  no  more  of  the  subject.  Yet,  one  word,"  as  th'i  youth  was 
preparing  to  depart ;  "  you  have  read  that  letter "  (and  he  pointed  to  that 
which  h{ui  principally  arrested  the  attention  of  the  office  :^  wfiat  impression 
hat  it  given  you  of  your  mother  ?  Answer  me  sincerely,  ii^  name,"  and  hii 
lunt  amito  wore  soniethiiigof  the  dwincter  of  triumph,  "is  not  Beguioidi  jroo 
kumwJ* 


"WACOUSTA,  OR,  TKE  PROPHECY. 


193 


The  pallid  cheek  of  the  young  man  flushed  at  this  question,  llis  own  un- 
disgiii.se<l  impression  was,  that  his  mother  had  cherished  a  guilty  love  f')r  nno- 
(h«T  than  her  husband,  lie  felt  the  almost  impiety  of  such  a  Ijcliet,  buL  he 
(iVild  vot  resist  the  conviction  that  forced  itself  on  his  mind  ;  the  letter  in  hci 
Uind writing  spoke  for  itself;  and  though  the  idea  ^vas  U\\\  of  wretched uoss, 
he  was  unable  to  conquer  it.  Whatever  his  own  iiiftrence  mijiht  be,  how  ever, 
he  could  not  endure  the  thought  of  imparting  it  to  liis  father:  he  then  fore 
ans\%  ered  evasively. 

"  Doubtless  my  mother  had  some  dear  relative  of  the  name,  and  to  him  wii.i 
this  letter  addressed  ;  pirhaps  a  brother,  or  an  imcle.  liut  I  never  knew," 
he  pursued,  with  a  look  o"  i^])peal  to  his  father,  "  that  a  second  portrait  of  iny 
mother  existed.    This  is  the  very  counterpart  of  Clara's." 

'It  may  be  the  same,"  remarked  the  governor,  but  in  a  tone  of  indecision, 
that  dimied  his  faith  in  what  he  iittei'ed.  *■ 

"  Impossible,  my  father.  I  accompau'ed  Clara,  if  you  recollect,  as  far  as 
I^kke  Sniclair ;  and  when  I  quitted  the  deck  of  the  schooner  to  return,  1  j)ar- 
ticularly  remarked  my  sister  wore  her  mother's  portrait,  as  usual,  round  her 
neck." 

Well,  no  matter  about  the  portrait,"  hurriedly  rejoined  the  governor  ;  "yet, 
whatever  your  impression,  Charles,"  and  he  s])()ke  with  a  waniith  that  was 
far  from  habitual  to  him,  "dare  not  to  sully  the  memory  of  your  mother  by 
a  doubt  of  her  purity.  An  accident  has  given  this  letter  to  your  inspection, 
but  breathe  not  its  contents  to  a  human  creature ;  above  all,  respect  the  b'cing 
who  gave  you  birth,  Go,  tell  Captain  Blessington  to  detain  the  Indian ;  I 
will  join  you  imtnedititely." 

Strongly,  yet  confusedly,  impressed  with  the  singularity  of  the  scene  alto- 
getlier,  and  more  particularly  with  his  father's  strange  admonition,  the  young 
oflicer  quitted  the  room,  and  has'tened  to  rejoin  his  conq)anions.  On  reaching 
the  rampart  *•';  found  that  the  Indian,  during  his  long  absence,  had  depart- 
ed ;  yet  not  without  depositii.p:;,  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  ditch,  the  substance 
to  which  he  had  previously  directed  their  attention.  At  the  moment  of  De 
Haldimar's  approach,  the  oilicers  were  bounding  over  the  rampart,  and,  with 
straining  eyes,  endeavoring  to  make  out  what  it  was,  but  in  vain  ;  something 
was  just  perceptible  in  the  withered  turf,  but  what  that  something  was  no  one 
could  succeed  in  discovering. 

"  Whatever  this  be,  we  must  possess  ourselves  of  it,"  said  Captain  Bles- 
smgton  ;  "  it  is  evident,  from  the  energetic  manner  of  him  who  left  it,  it  is  of 
importance.  I  think  I  know  who  is  the  best  swimmer  and  climber  of  om 
pirty." 

Several  voices  unanimously  pronounced  the  name  of  '*  Johnstone." 

"  Anything  for  a  dash  of  enterprise,"  said  that  officer,  whose  sl'ght  wound 
had  been  perfectly  healed.  "  But  what  do  you  propose  that  the  swimmer  and 
:limber  should  do,  Blessington  7" 

''  Seciue  3'on  parcel,  without  lowering  the  drawbridge." 

"  What !  and  be  scalped  in  the  act?  Who  knows  if  it  be  not  a  trick  after 
ftll,  and  that  tho  rascal  who  placed  i":  there  is  not  lying  within  a  few  f'iet, 
ready  to  pounce  upon  me  the  instance  I  reach  the  bank." 

"  Never  mioiy"  said  Erskine,  laughingly,  "  we  will  revenge  your  death,  my 


XA 


w'AuavkTA.  ^B.  TUii  ri;vrmv(.T. 


'•Besides,  consider  the  nun^uam  non  jtaratua^  J"hustone,"  slily  remarked 
Lieucenant  Leslie. 

"  What,  again,  Leslie?"  energetically  responded  the  young  Scotsman.  "Yet 
think  not  I  hesitate,  for  I  did  but  Jest :  make  fast  a  rope  round  my  loins,  and 
I  think  I  will  answer  for  the  result." 

Colonel  de  Ilaldiniar  now  made  his  appearance.  Having  heard  a  brief 
■tatement  of  the  facts,  and  ajiproving  of  tlio  suggestion  of  Captain  Blessing- 
ton,  a  rope  was  procured,  and  made  fiust  under  the  shoulders  of  the  young 
oiUcer,  who  had  previously  stripped  himself  of  his  uniform  and  shoes,  lie 
then  sullerci;  himself  to  drop  gently  over  tho  edge  of  the  rampart,  his  com- 
pauions  gradually  lowering  the  rope,  until  a  deep  and  gasping  aspiration,  such 
AS  is  usually  wrung  from  one  coming  suddenly  in  contact  with  cold  wnter, 
mnounced  \w.  had  irainHi  tlio  surface  of  tlie  ditch.  1'ho  rope  was  then  slack 
ened,  to  g,ive  him  the  unrestrained  command  cf  his  limbs ;  and  in  the  next  in 
slant  he  was  seen  clambering  up  the  opposite  elevation. 

Although  the  ofiicers,  indulging  in  a  forced  levity,  in  a  great  degree  meant 
to  encourage  their  companion,  had  treated  his  enterprise  with  ii.ditferenTO. 
they  were  far  from  being  without  serious  anxiety  for  the  result.  Tiiey  had 
U.ughed  at  the  idea,  suggested  by  him,  of  being  scalped ;  whereas,  in  truth, 
they  entertained  the  apprehension  far  more  powerfully  than  he  did  himself. 
The  artifices  resorted  to  by  the  savages,  to  secure  an  isolated  victim,  were  so 
many  and  so  various,  that  suspicion  could  not  but  attach  to  the  m^'sterious 
occurrence  they  had  just  witnessed.  Willing  even  as  they  were  to  believe 
their  present  visiter,  whoever  he  was,  came  not  in  a  spirit  of  enmity,  they  co\dd 
not  altogether  divest  themselves  of  a  fear  that  it  was  only  a  subtle  artifice  to 
decoy  one  of  them  within  the  reach  of  their  traitorous,  weapons.  They, 
therefore,  watched  the  movements  of  their  companion  with  quickening  pulses ; 
and  it  was  with  a  lively  satisfaction  they  sav/  him,  at  length,  after  a  momen- 
tary search,  descend  once  more  into  the  ditch,  and,  with  a  single  oowerful  im- 
pulsion of  his  limbs,  urge  himself  back  to  the  foot  of  the  rampdi-t.  Neither 
feet  nor  hands  were  of  much  service,  in  enabling  him  to  scale  the  smooth  an<l 
(^anting  logs  that  composed  the  exterior  surface  of  the  works ;  but  a  slight 
jerk  of  the  well-secured  rope,  serving  as  a  signal  to  his  friends,  he  was  soon 
dragged  once  more  to  the  summit  of  the  rampart,  without  other  injury  than 
a  couple  of  slight  bruises. 

"  Well,  what  success  ?"  eagerly  asked  Leslie  and  Captain  Erskine,  in  the 
same  breath,  as  the  dripping  Johnstone  buried  himself  in  the  folds  of  a  capa- 
cious cloak  procured  during  his  absence. 

"  You  shidl  hear,"  was  the  reply  ;  "  but  first,  gentlemen,  allow  me,  if  you 
please,  to  enjoy,  with  yourselves,  the  luxury  of  dry  clothes.  I  have  no  par- 
ticular amliition  to  contract  an  Amei-ican  ague  fit  just  now  ;  yet,  unless  you 
take  pity  on  me,  and  reserve  my  examination  for  a  future  moment,  thei'e  is 
every  prooability  1  shall  not  have  a  tooth  left  by  to-morrow  morning." 

No  one  could  deny  the  justice  of  the  t  omark,  for  the  teeth  of  the  young 
man  were  chattering  as  he  spoke.  It  was  not,  therefore,  until  after  ho  had 
changed  his  dress,  and  swallowed  a  couple  of  glasses  of  Captain  Ei  skine's 
uerer  failing  spuit,  that  they  all  repaired  once  more  to  the  mess-room,  when 
Johnstone  anticipated  all  questions,  by  the  production  of  the  mysterioua 
packet. 


y  romorked 

sman.  "Yet 
y  loins,  and 

ard  a  brirf 
n  Blessin;?- 
'  the  youiij» 
shoes.  1I« 
rt,  his  corn- 
ration,  such 
cold  water, 
tlion  slack 
the  next  in- 

cpree  meant 

ii.ditrerenc*. 

They  had 

as,  in  truth, 

did  himself. 

tim,  were  so 

mysterious 

}  to  believe 

r,  they  could 

le  artifice  to 

pns.      They, 

lin^  pulses ; 

a  monien- 

vverful  im- 

N  either 

uiooth  and 

mt  a  slight 

e  was  soon 

injury  than 

:ine,  in  the 
of  a  capa- 

me,  if  you 
ive  no  par- 
mless  you 
it,  there  is 
ng.» 

the  young 
er  he  had 

Erskine's 
3om,  when 

lysterioua 


WACOUSTA,  UK,  TliJt  I'UOI'UKtT. 


195 


t. 


After  removing  several  wrappers  of  bark,  each  of  which  was  secured  by  i% 
thong  of  deer-skin,  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar,  to  whom  the  successful  oilicer  had 
handed  his  prize,  at  length  came  to  a  small  oval  case  of  red  nioiocco.  precise- 
Iv  similar,  in  size  and  form,  to  what  which  had  so  lately  attracted  the  notice 
of  his  son.  For  a  moment  he  hesitated,  and  his  cheek  was  ol (served  to  turn 
pale,  and  his  hand  to  tremble;  but  quickly  suhduiug  his  indecision,  lie  hur- 
riedly unfastened  the  clasp,  unci  dis<:losed  t<»  the  astonished  vii'w  of  the  oHicem 
the  portrait  of  a  young  and  lovely  w<mmn.  habited  in  the  Uighlaiid  gaih. 

PiXclamations  of  various  kinds  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  group  of  olliccrs. 
Several  knew  it  to  be  the  portrait  of  Mrs.  (k  Ilaldimar;  others  recognized  it 
from  the  striking  likeness  it  bore  to  Clara  and  to  Charles:  all  knew  it  had 
never  been  absent  from  the  possession  of  the  former  since  hermollier's  death  ; 
and  feeling  .satisfied  a.s  they  <lid  that  its  extraordinary  appearance  among 
them,  at  the  present  moment,  was  ananuoiiiutement  of  scmedieadl'iil  disaster. 
their  countenances  wore  an  iiMpress  of  ilismay  little  inferior  to  that  of  tlio 
wretched  Charles,  who.  agoni.^ed  beyond  all  atl-'uipt  atdescrii)tion.  had  thrown 
himself  into  a  seat  in  the  rear  of  the  group,  and  sat  like  one  bewildered,  with 
his  head  buried  in  his  hands. 

"  Gentlemen."  at  length  )bsi!rved  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar,  in  a  voice  that  prov- 
•d  how  vaiidy  his  natuial  '-motion  was  sought  to  he  subdued  by  his  prido, 
"this.  1  fear  me.  is  an  unw  >icome  token.  It  I'omcs  to  annotmce  1o  a  f,  lln-r 
the  murder  of  his  child ;  to  us  all.  the  destruction  of  our  last  reukaming  trieutli 
and  comrades." 

"  God  forbid!"  solemnly  aspirated  Captain  Ulessington.  After  a  pause  of 
a  moment  or  two  he  pursued  :  '•!  know  not  why,  sir;  but  my  impression  i> 
the  appearance  of  this  portrait,  which  we  all  recogni.se  for  that  worn  by  Miss 
de  Huldiraar,  bears  another  interpretation." 

Colonel  de  Haldimar  shook  his  head.  "  I  have  but  too  nmch  rea.son  to  be- 
lieve," he  ob.served,  smiling  in  mournful  bitterness,  "it  has  heeu  conveyed  to 
us  not.  in  mercy  but  in  revenge." 

No  one  ventured  to  question  why  ;  for  notwithstanding  all  were  aware  that 
in  the  mysterious  ravisher  of  the  wife  of  llalloway,  Colonel  ('e  llaldunar  had 
a  fierce  and  inexorable  private  enemy,  no  allusion  had  ever  been  made  by  that 
officer  himself  to  the  subject. 

"  Will  you  permit  me  to  examine  the  portrait  and  envelopes,  colonel  V  re- 
sumed Captain  Blessington:  "I  feel  almost  confident.  akhon;;h  1  confess  I 
have  no  other  motive  for* it  than  what  springs  from  a  recollection  of  the  man- 
ner of  the  Indian,  that  the  result  will  bear  me  out  in  my  belief  the  bearer 
came  not  in  hostility  but  in  fiiendship." 

"  By  my  faith,  I  quite  agree  with  Blessington," said  Captain  Erskine;  "for. 
in  addition  to  the  manner  of  the  Indian,  there  is  another  evidence  in  favor  ol^ 
his  position.  Was  it  merely  intended  in  the  light  in  which  you  consider  it 
colonel,  the  care  or  the  miiiiaiui-e  itself  might  have  been  returned,  but  certain- 
ly not  the  metal  in  which  it  is  set.  The  savages  are  fully  aware  of  the  value 
of  gold,  and  would  not  so  easily  let  it  slip  throtigh  their  fingers." 

Meanwhile,  Captain  Blessington  had  turned  and  examined  the  miniature  in 
fifty  different  ways,  but  without  succeeding  in  discovering  any  thing  that 
could  confirm  him  in  his  orighial  impression.  Vexed  and  disappointed,  he  at 
ItiOfith  iiuuft  it  from  iiiia  «a  Ut»  table,  and  ijuikiug  into  a  seat  at  the  side  of 


'•1  *? 


au 


U-v 


196 


WACOUbTA,  OK,  THE  rit'.rilEC  Y. 


the  unfbrtnnftte  OharlcR,  pressed  the  hand  of  the  youtli  in  sfj^nlficant  «Hcn»*e. 

Findinf?  his  worst  fears  now  conflrmed,  Coloiu'f  de  Ilaldiiiiar,  for  the  Hrvt 
tiine,  cusl  a  planco  towards  his  son,  whoso  dri'j|)in};  head,  uiid  sorrowing! 
attitti'le,  spoke  volumes  to  his  heart.  For  n  uioii.ent  his  own  cheek  binnehcd, 
and  his  ey<'  w'iis  seen  to  plisten  with  the  Hrst  t  ar  ever  witnessed  there  l>y 
those  aroiuvl  hini.  Subduing  liis  emotion.  ho\ 'ever,  he  drew  up  Ijis  person 
to  its  lordly  hci^-lit.  as  if  that  art  reinintk'd  hiir,  the  couunander  was  not  to  he 
lost  in  the  father,  and  quittinp;  the  room  with  a  heavy  brow  and  step,  reeotn- 
mended  to  his  ollirers  tl»e  repo.se  of  which  they  appeared  to  st«n<l  so  nuich  iti 
need.  Hut  not  iMie  was  there  wlio  fult  inclined  to  court  the  .solitude  of  his 
pillow.  N<)  .s(HHKT  were  the  footsteps  of  the  governor  heard  il^iuj;  away  i?» 
llw;  distance,  when  ft-esli  hf^hts  were  onlered,  and  several  logs  of  wood  heaped 
on  tlie  shickenini.'  fire.  Around  this  the  ofllcers  now  grouped,  and  throwmg 
themselves  hack  in  their  chairs,  assumed  the  attitudes  of  .men  seeking  to  in- 
dulge rather  in  private  retlection  than  in  fiersonal  converse, 

TIkj  grief  of  the  wretched  Charles  de  llaldimar,  hitherto  restrained  hy  the 
presenile  of  his  father,  and  encouraged  hy  the  touching  evidences  of  interest 
uHonied  him  hy  the  ever  considerate  IJlessington.  now  burst  forth  audibly. 
No  atteuxpt  was  made  b}'  the  latter  officer  to  check  the  emotion  of  liis  young 
friend.  Knowing  his  passionate  fond:  'ss  for  his  sister,  he  wjis  not  witho«it 
fear  that  tlie  sudden  slior<  produce  i  by  the  appearance  of  her  miniature 
might  destroy  his  reason,  even  if  it  affected  not  his  life ;  and  as  the  moment 
was  now  come  when  tears  might  be  .shed  without  exciting  invidious  remark  m 
the  only  individual  who  was  likely  to  make  it,  he  sought  to  promote  them  as 
much  as  possible.  Too  much  occupied  in  their  own  mournful  reflections  to 
bestow  more  than  a  passing  notice  on  the  weakne.s.T  of  their  friend,  the  group 
round  the  (ire-place  scarce!}'  .'Jeemed  to  have  regarded  his  emotion. 

This  violent  paroxysm  past.  De  ILddimar  breathed  more  freely  ;  and.  an«*T 
listening  to  seviTil  earnest  observai.jns  of  Captain  Blessington.  who  still 
heJd  out  the  possibility  'f  something  favorable  turning  up,  on  a  rc-examinatioiti 
of  the  portrait  by  daylight,  he  was  .su  far  con)po.sed  as  to  be  able  to  attuid  t<i 
the  summons  of  the  sergeant  of  the  guard,  who  came  to  say  the  relief  were 
ready,  and  waiting  to  be  insjiected  before  they  were  finally  marched  off. 
Clasping  the  extended  hand  of  his  captain  between  his  own,  with  a  pressure 
indicative  of  his  deep  gratitude,  De  llahlimar  now  proceeded  to  the  discharge 
of  his  duty,  and  having  caught  up  the  portrait,  which  Btill  lay  on  the  table, 
and  thrust  it  into  the  brenst  of  his  uniform,  he  repaired  hurriedly  to  rejoin 
his  guard,  from  which  circumstances  alone  had  induced  hir  unusually  lone 
absei\ce. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


Tub  remaindei-  of  tliat  night  was  passed  by  the  unhappy  De  Haldimar  in  « 
Kti  te  of  inde.sciibable  wretchedness.  After  inspecting  the  rehef,  he  had  thi"owH 
hintself  on  his  rude  guard-bed ;  and.  <lrawing  his  cloak  over  his  eyes,  gav« 
full  rein  to  the  wanderings  of  his  excited  imagination. 

Miserable  us  he  /ult  his  iK>sitiuu  to  be^  it  wat)  not  without  satijiifaction  1m 


tlic  tlrvt 
uTowini! 
Innchrtl. 
Iktc  l>y 
*  person 
lot  to  U' 
),  rt'coin- 
inurli  ID 
le  of  his 
iiwiiy  i»' 
d  ht'iiprd 
throwinR 
ig  to  iii- 

<\  })y  the 
f  intori'sl 
luulihiy. 
lis  yoimR 
i  without 
miniature 
I  moniunt 
remark  in 
e  thcnt  as 
jctiuns  to 
the  group 

nn'1.  ftftt'T 
who  still 
iminntiofj 

Rtti  nrt  t« 
ilief  were 
•ched  off. 

pressure 
discharjse 
;he  table, 

to  rejoin 

tally  lunn 


WACOrsTA,  <>H,  Tllf.  PUorilEcY. 


197 


limar  in  • 
throwB 
eyes,  gave 

Racdou  ht 


tif^tn  licard  the  vofcc  or  his  r»r;5(>ant  sumiiK.uhi';  liim  to  the  fii><iM'<ti(>ii  nf 
another  rcnef.  This  «luty  iicironia'd.  and  anximis  to  avoid  the  painm}:  in- 
seiice  of  his  servant,  he  determined,  instead  ofretuniin};  to  his  j:iiard-n«iiii.  to 
consume  the  hour  that  remainjil  hefore  duy  in  paeinp;  the  rainparts.  lAuxiny 
won!  with  his  snhonlinate.  that  in  ilie  event  of  his  licin;:  n'i|uitv.l  he  iiii'.-lil 
he  found  without  ditllcully,  he  ascended  to  tliat  ipiailer  ol  llie  works  wlnm 
the  Indian  had  been  first  seen  who  had  so  mysteriously  conveyed  the  sud  token 
he  still  retained  in  his  breast.  It  was  on  (lie  same  siile  with  that  particular 
point  whence  wo  have  already  stated  a  full  view  of  the  britl;;e  with  it>  .sur- 
rounding scenery,  together  with  the  waters  of  the  Detroit,  where  they  were 
intersected  by  Ilog  Island,  were  distinctly  oomiiianded.  At  either  of  those 
points  was  st'^tioned  a  sentinel,  whose  «luty  it  was  to  exteiul  his  beat  hetweeii 
the  boxes  used  now  rather  as  lines  of  demarcation  than  as  places  of  temporary 
shelter,  until  each  pained  that  of  his  next  comrade!,  when  they  ajrain  rctmiicd 
to  their  own,  cros.sing  each  other  about  half  way :  a  .system  of  precaulion  pur- 
sued by  the  whole  of  the  sentinels  in  the  circuit  of  the  lampai  t. 

1  he  ostensible  motive  of  the  otiicer  in  ascending  the  works,  was  to  vi<it  his 
several  posts;  but  no  sooner  had  he  fouml  himself  l)el  ween  the  points  ulliided 
to.  which  happened  to  be  the  first  in  his  course,  than  he  seemed  to  bo  riveted 
there  by  a  species  of  fascination. 

Keminded,  for  the  first  time,  as  he  was  pursuing  his  measured  but  aimle.s.s' 
walk,  by  the  fatal  portrait  which  he  more  than  once  pressed  with  feveiish 
energy  to  his  lips,  of  the  singular  discovery  he  had  made  that  nij;lit  in  the 
apartments  of  his  father,  he  was  naturally  led,  by  a  chain  of  consecutive  thought, 
into  a  review  of  the  extraordinary  scene.   The  fact  of  the  existence  of  a  second 
liktnoss  of  his  mother  was  one  that  did  not  now  fail  to  re-awaken  all  tl)(*  im- 
qualitied  surprise  he  had  experienced  at  tlie  first  discovery.     So  far  from  hav- 
ing ever  heard  his  father  make  the  slightest  allu.sion  to  this  memorial  of  his 
departed  mother,  hy  perfectly  recollected  his  repeatedly  ri'C()nuneudingt(>  Clara 
the  safe  custody  of  a  treasure,  which,  if  lost,  could  never  be  rej.laced.     What 
coul<l  be  the  motive  for  this  mastery? — and  why  hail  he  sought  to  impre/s 
him  with  the  belief  it  was  the  identical  portrai'  worn  by  his  sister  which  had 
so  unintentionally  been  exposed  to  his  view  ?    Why.  too,  had  he  evinced  so 
much  anxiety  to  remove  from  his  mind  all  unfa\   rable  impressions  m  regard 
to  his  mother?     Why  have  been  so  energetic  in  his  caution  not  to  Miller  a 
♦.ant  of  impurity  to  attach  to  her  memory  ?    Why  should  he  have  su|)posed 
Itie  possibility  of  such  impression,  unless  there  had  heen  siitlicienl  cau.-^e  foi 
•».  ?   In  what,  moreover,  originated  his  triumphant  oxjiression  of  feature,  when 
on  that  occasion,  he  remindlid  him  that  fiis  name  was  not  Reginald  ?    NVli» 
then,  was  this  Reginald  ?     Then  came  the  recollection  of  what  had  been  re- 
peated to  him  of  the  parting  .scene  between  Ilalloway  ami  his  wife.     In  ad- 
dressing her  ill-fated  husband,  she  had  name<l  him  Keginald.   Could  it  be  pos- 
sible this  was  the  .same  being  alluded  to  by  his  father  ?     But  no ;  his  youth 
forbade  the  supposition,  being  but  two  years  older  than  his  brother  Frederick , 
yet  might  he  not,  in  some  way  or  other,  be  connected  with  the  Reginald  of 
the  letter  ?    Why,  too,  had  his  father  shown  such  unrelenting  severity  which 
had  induced  more  than  one  remark  from  his  officers,  that  it  looked  as  if  he  en- 
tertained some  personal  feeling  of  enmity  towards  a  man  who  had  done  so 
much  for  his  familj,  and  stood  so  high  in  the  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him. 


m 


la' I 

m 
I 


Wi 


.:s 


198 


WACOrSTA,  OH.  THE  PROmFCT. 


Tlion  cimo  another  thon|2;lit.  At  the  moment  of  hfs  execution,  Halloway 
hiul  (loposiied  a  packi-t  in  tlu;  hands  ol' Captain  lilossington; — could  these  let- 
ters— could  that  portrait  be  the  same?  Certain  it  was,  by  whatever  means 
obtained,  his  fiither  coiild  not  have  had  them  long  in  his  possession;  for  it  was 
improbab'e  leiters  of  so  old  a  date  shotild  havo  oronpied  his  attention  tunc, 
when  m!in_)  years  had  lollcd  over  tiie  uitMuory  of  l>.is  mother.  And  thim. 
again,  what  was  the  meaning  of  the  language  usod  by  tne  implacable  enetny 
of  his  father,  that  tuicouth  and  ferociotis  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis,  not  only 
on  the  occasion  of  the  execution  of  Halloway,  hut  afterwards  to  his  brother, 
during  his  skort  captivity;  aiid  subsequently,  when  disguised  as  a  black,  h" 
pen«ftrated,  with  the  band  of  Ponteac,  into  the  fort,  and  aimed  his  murderous 
weapon  at  his  father's  head.  What  had  made  him  the  enemy  of  his  family  7 
and  where  and  how  had  originated  his  father's  connection  with  so  extraordi- 
nary and  savage  a  being?  Couhl  he,  in  any  way,  be  implicated  with  his  mother  i 
But  no ;  there  was  something  revolting,  monsti  ou.s  in  the  thought :  besides, 
had  not  his  fathar  stood  forward  the  champion  oi"  her  innocence  ? — had  he  not 
declared,  with  an  energy  carrying  conviction  with  every  word,  th.at  she  was 
untainted  by  guilt?  And  would  he  have  done  tliis,  had  he\iad  reason  to  be- 
lieve in  the  existence  of  a  criminal  love  for  him  who  evidently  was  his  mortal 
foe  ?     Imjjossible. 

Such  were  the  questions  and  solutions' tliat  crowded  on  and  distracted  the 
mnid  of  the  unhappy  i)e  lluldimar,  who  after  ail.  could  arrive  at  no  satisfsw?- 
tory  conclusion.  It  was  evident  there  was  a  seciot. — yet,  whatever  its  nature. 
it  was  one  likely  to  go  down  with  his  father  to  the  grave ;  for.  however  hu- 
miliating the  reflection  to  a  haught}'  parent,  con  pelled  to  vindicate  the  luuior 
of  a  mother  to  her  son,  and  in  direct  opposition  i.o  evidence  that  scarcely  bonj 
a  shadow  of  misinterpretation,  it  was  clear  he  h;i(l  motives  for  consigning  the 
circumstance  to  oblivion,  which  far  outweighed  any  necessity  he  felt  of  adduc- 
ing other  proofs  of  her  innocence  than  those  which  I'ested  on  his  own  simple 
yet  impressive  assertion. 

In  the  midst  of  these  bewildering  doubts,  De  Ilaldimar  heard  some  one  njv 
proaching  in  his  rear,  whose  footsteps  he  distingi'ished  from  the  heavy  pace  of 
the  sentinels.  lie  turned,  stopped,  and  was  presently  joined  by  Captain 
liiessingtou. 

"  Why,  dearest  Charles,"  almost  querulously  asked  the  kind  officer,  as  he 
passed  his  arm  through  that  of  his  subaltern. — "  why  will  you  persist  in  feed 
ing  this  love  of  solitude?  What  possible  result  can  it  produce,  but  an  utter 
j>rostration  of  eveiy  moral  and  physical  energy  ?  Come,  come,  summon  a  little 
Fortitude;  all  may  not  yet  be  so  hopeless  as  you  apprehend.  For  my  own 
part,  I  feci  convinced  the  day^  will  dawn  unon  some  satisfactory  solution  of  the 
myiitery  of  that  packet." 

"  lilessingtou.  my  df^ar  Blessington  !" — and  De  Ilaldimar  spoke  with  mourn- 
ful energy, — "you  have  known  me  from  my  boj^hood,  and,  i  believe,  haw 
ever  loved  me  ,  seek  not,  therefore,  to  draw  me  fiom  the  present  temper  of 
ray  miu(i ;  deprive  me  not  of  an  indulgence  which,  melancholy  «a  it  lm.  now 
r'^nstitutes  the  sole  satislaction  I  take  m  existence," 

"  By  heaven  !  Charles,  I  will  not  listen  to  suc'i  liuignage.  You  abs'>luteU 
put  my  patience  to  the  rack." 

"  Nay,  then,  I  will  urge  no  more,"  pursued  the  young  officer.  "  To  rcTert, 
therefore,  to  a  different  subject,  answer  me  <»^   ijuestion  wi^^*"  sincerity.  Wh»i 


Hon,  Halloway 
!Ould  tliesc  let- 
hatcver  means 
sion;  for  it  was 
attention  now, 
V.  And  then. 
)lacable  enemy 
e  Lis,  not  only 
to  his  brother, 
.  as  a  bhick,  h" 
his  murderous 
of  his  family  ? 
h  so  extraordi- 
ith  his  mother  1 
•ught:  besides. 
? — had  he  not 
1,  that  she  was 
i  reason  to  be- 
was  his  mortal 

I  distracted  tlic 
at  no  satisfsic- 
L'ver  its  iiatui-e. 
r.  however  hu- 
icate  the  honor 
t  scarcely  honj 
eonsip»in,u;  the 
[}  felt  of  adduc- 
kiis  own  simple 


id 


some  one  aj^- 
heavy  pace  of 
by  Captain 


officer,  as  he 
persist  in  feed 
c,  but  an  utter 
uininon  a  little 

For  my  own 
solution  of  the 

e  witfi  mou?n- 
bclieve,  have 

ent  tenjper  of 
as  it  iM.  Duv* 

'ou  ab»>lutt!lj 

"  To  revert, 
loerity.  What 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


199 


were  the  contents  of  the  packet  you  received  from  poor  Halloway  previous  to 
his  execution  ?  and  in  whose  pos.scssion  are  they  now  ?" 

Pleased  to  find  the  attention  of  his  young  friend  diverted  for  the  moment 
ftom  his  sister.  Captiun  Ble.ssington  quickly  rejoined,  he  believed  the  packet 
contained  letters  which  Halloway  had  stated  to  him  were  of  a  nature  to 
throw  some  light  on  his  family  connections,  lie  liad,  however,  transferred  it 
with  the  seal  unbroken,  as  desired  by  the  unhappy  man,  to  Colonel  de  Hal- 
mar." 

An  exclamation  of  surprise  burnt  involuntarily  from  the  lips  of  the  youth. 
"  Has  my  father  ever  made  any  allusion  to  that  packet  since  ?"  he  asked. 

"Never,"  returned  Captain  Bkssington  ;  "and.  I  confess,  his  failing  to  do 
so  has  often  excited  my  astonishment.     But  why  do  you  ask  ?" 

De  Haldimar  energetically  pressed  the  arm  of  his  captain,  while  a  heavy 
sigh  burst  from  his  ojjpressed  heart.  "  This  very  night,  Blessington,  on  en* 
tering  my  father's  apartment  to  apprise  him  of  what  was  going  on  here.  1 
saw, — I  can  scarcely  tell  you  what,  but  certainly  enough  to  convince  me,  from 
what  you  have  now  stated,  Halloway  was,  in  souje  de};ree  or  other,  connected 
^th  our  family.  Tell  me,"  he  anxiously  pursued,  ''  was  there  a  portrait  en- 
closed with  the  letters  ?" 

"  I  cannot  state  with  confidence,  Charles,"  replied  his  friend ;  "  but  if  1 
might  judge  from  the  peculiar  form  and  weight  of  the  packet,  I  should  be  in- 
clined to  say  not.     Have  you  seen  the  letter.s,  then  ?" 

"  1  have  .seen  certam  letters  which  1  have  reason  to  believe  are  the  same," 
returned  De  Ilahlimar.  '•  They  were  adtlressed  to  '  Reginald ;'  and  Hallo- 
way, I  think  you  have  told  me,  was  .so  called  by  his  unhappy  wife." 

"There  can  be  little  doubt  they  aie  the  san;e,"  said  Captain  Ble.ssington  j 
*but  what  were  their  contents,  and  by  whom  vrittcn,  that  you  deem  they 
prove  a  connection  between  the  unhappy  soldier  and  your  family?" 

De  Haldiniar  felt  the  blood  rise  into  his  rheek  at  that  natural  but  unex- 
pected demand.  "I  am  sure,  Blessington,"  he  replied,  after  a  pause,  "you 
will  not  think  me  capable  of  unwoithy  mystery  towards  yourselfj  but  the 
contents  of  these  letters  are  .sacred,  inasmuch  as  they  relate  only  to  circum- 
stances connected  with  my  fathei's  family." 

They  soon  both  prepared  to  quit  the  rampart.  As  they  passed  the  sentinel 
stationed  at  that  point  where  the  Indian  had  been  lii'st  seen,  their  attention 
was  directed  by  him  to  a  tire  that  now  suddenly  rose,  apparentlj'  at  a  great 
distance,  and  rapidly  increasing  in  voluii'e.  The  singularity  of  this  occurreno 
riveted  the  oflicers  for  a  moment  in  silent  observation  ;  until  Captain  Bles.«- 
ington  at  length  ventured  a  remark,  that,  juilging  iVoni  the  direction  and  the 
fkceptive  nature  of  the  element  at  night,  he  should  incline  to  think  it  was  the 
hut  of  the  Canadian  burning. 

"  Which  is  another  additional  proof,  were  any  such  wanting,  that  every 
thing  is  lost,"  mournfully  urged  the  ever  api)reheiisive  De  Haldimar.     "  Pran- 
90is  has  been  detected  in  rencJeiing  aid  to  our  friend.> ;  and  the  Indians,  in  all 
probability,  after  having  immolated  their  victim,  are  saciificing  his  property 
to  their  rage." 

During  this  exchange  of  opinion,  the  ofhccrs  had  again  moved  to  the  oppo- 
site point  of  the  limited  walk  of  the  younger.  Scarcely  had  they  reached  it, 
and  before  Captain  Bles.sington  could  find  lime  to  reply  to  the  fears  of  his 
friend,  when  a  loud  and  distant  boomiu^g  like  that  of  a  cannon  was  heard  in 


1*  . 


ill 


IH 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 

tJie  difectlon  of  tlif  rue.  The  alarm  was  sfvcn  hastily  by  the  sentinels,  and 
sounds  of  preparation  and  annin;:;  were  andible  in  the  course  of  a  minute  o» 
two  everywhere  throughout  the  fort.  S^^artled  by  the  report,  which  they  hj»d 
half  inchned  to  imaj^ine  produced  by  t^e  ilischarge  of  one  of  thyir  own  t;unA 
tho  lialf-s' umbering  officers  had  quitted  the  chair.s  in  whicli  thpy  had  passed 
the  night  in  the 'mess-room,  and  were  soon  at  the  side  of  their  moie  watchful 
companions,  then  anxiously  listening  for  a  repetition  of  the  sound. 

Tlie  day  was  just  beginning  to  dawn,  and  as  the  atmosphere  cleared  gradu- 
ally away,  it  was  perceived  the  fire  rose  not  from  the  hut  of  the  Canadian 
hui  at  a  point  considerably  be3'ond  it.  Unusual  as  it  was  to  see  a  large  fire 
of  this  description,  its  appeaianoe  became  an  object  of  minor  consideration, 
since  it  might  be  attributed  to  some  caprice  or  desii-e  on  the  part  of  the  In- 
dians to  excite  apprehension  in  their  enemies.  But  how  was  the  report  wfiicb 
had  reached  their  eais  to  be  accounted  for  ?  It  evidently  could  only  have 
been  produced  l)y  the  discharge  of  a  cannon ;  and  if  so,  wheie  could  the 
Indians  have  procured  it  ?  No  such  arm  had  recently  been  in  their  posses- 
sion; and  if  it  were,  they  were  totally  unacquainted  with  the  manner  of  serv- 
ing it. 

As  the  day  became  more  developed,  the  mystery  was  resolved.  Every 
telescope  in  the  fort  hail  been  called  into  I'equisition  ;  and  as  they  were  now 
levelled  in  the  direction  of  the  fire,  sweeping  the  line  of  horizon  around,  ex- 
clamations of  surj)iise  escaped  the  lips  of  several. 

"It  is  an  unusual  iiour  for  the  Indians'  war-dance,"  observed  Captain 
Blessington  '"  My  experience  furnishes  me  with  no  one  instance  in  which  it 
has  not  been  danced  previous  to  their  retiring  to  rest-" 

"  Unless."  .said  l^ieutenant  Boyce,  "  they  should  have  been  thus  engaged  all 
night ;  in  which  case  the  singularity  may  be  exjjlained." 

"  Look,  look,"  eagerly  rem.arked  Lieutenant  Johnstone — "  .see  how  they  are 
flying  to  their  canoes,  bounding  and  leaping  like  so  many  devils  broke  loose 
from  their  chains.     The  fire  is  nearly  deserted  already." 

"The  schooner — the  schooner!"  shouted  Captain  Er.skine.  By  heaven, 
our  own  gallant  schooner !  see  how  beautifully  she  diives  past  tlie  island. 
[t  was  her  gun  we  Iieard,  intended  as  a  signal  to  prepare  us  for  her  appear- 
ance." 

"  A  thrill  of  wild  and  indescribable  emotion  passed  through  every  heart. 
Evers'  eye  was  turned  upon  the  point  to  which  attention  was  now  iirected 
The  graceful  vessel,  with  every  stitch  of  canvass  set,  was  shooting  rapidly 
past  the  low  bushes  skirting  the  sands  that  still  concealed  her  hull ;  and  in  a 
moment  or  two  she  loomed  largely  and  proudly  on  the  bo.som  of  the  Detioit, 
the  surface  of  which  was  slightly  curled  with  a  north-western  breeze. 

''  Safe,  by  -Jupiter !"  exclaimed  the  delighted  Erskine,  dropping  the  glafs 
upon  the  rampart,  and  rubbmg  his  hands  together  with  every  manifestation 
of  joy. 

"  The  Indians  are  in  chase,"  said  ^iieutenant  Boyce  ;  "  upwards  of  fifty  ca- 
noes are  following  the  schooner's  wake.  But  Danvers  will  soon  give  us  an 
account  of  their  Lilliputian  fleet." 

"  Let  the  troops  be  held  in  readiness  for  a  sortie,  Mr.  Lawson,"  said  the 
governor,  who  liad  joined  his  officers  just  as  the  .schooner  cleared  the  island  ; 
"'we  must  cover  their  landing,  or,  with  this  host  of  savages  in  pursuit,  they 
will  never  eflect  it  alive." 

►  »    •  ■ 


n 

ID 


ti'nels,  and 
minute  (»» 
\\  they  \w([ 
own  pinA 
lad  passed 
e  watchful 

red  gradu- 
Canadian 
I  large  fire 
sideration, 
of  the  Ill- 
port  which 
only  have 
could  the 
eir  posses- 
ler  of  serv" 

id.  Every 
were  now 
round,  ex- 

)d  Captain 
n  which  it 

ngaged  all 

[v  they  are 
oke  loose 

heaven, 
le  island. 
;r  appear- 

;ry  heart. 

]ire{;t('d 

;  rapidiv 

and  in  a 

Detioit, 

the  glnj|s 
ifestation 

fifty  ca- 
lve us  an 

said  the 
e  island  ; 
uit,  they 


WACOrSTA,  OTl   TITR  PROPRF.CT. 


201 


During  the  whole  of  this  brief  hut  oxcitinir  scene,  the  heart  of  Charles  rt», 
Jlildiniar  heat  audibly.  A  thousand  hopt-s  and  fi-ars  nishe<l  confusedly  on  hia 
mind,  and  he  was  as  one  bewildered  by,  and  scarcely  creiliting.  vvliat  he  saw. 
Could  Clara.— could  his  cousin — could  his  brother— vould  his  fiioiid  be  on 
board?  He  scarcely  dared  to  ask  himself  ihcsc  (]u<'sti()ns ;  still  it  was  with  « 
Muttering  bean,  in  which  hope,  however,  predominaled.  tliat  he  ha,>rtenfd  to 
execute  an  order  of  hi.s  captain,  that  bore  immediate  refcverce  to  his  d'ltv  m 
Bubaitcrn  of  the  jruarrl. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Meanwhile  the  schooner  dashed  rapidly  along,  her  hull  occasionally  hiJ 
fr  >m  the  view  of  those  assemble<l  on  the  ramparts  by  some  intervening  orchard 
or  cluster  of  houstis,  but  her  tall  spars  glittering  in  their  cover  of  white  can- 
vas.s.  and  marking  the  directicm  of  her  course.  At  length  .she  came  to  a  point 
in  the  river  that  ottered  no  other  interruption  to  the  eye  than  what  arose 
from  the  presence  of  almost  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  village,  wlio.  urged  by 
curiosit)'  and  surj)rise.  were  to  be  seen  crowding  the  intervening  bank.  Here 
the  .schooner  was  suddenly'  put  about,  and  the  English  colors,  hitherto  con- 
cealed by  the  folds  of  the  canvass,  were  at  length  discovered  proudly  floating 
in  the  bre\.v.e. 

Immediately  over  the  gateway  of  the  fort  there  was  an  elevated  platform, 
approacheil  by  the  rampart  of  which  it  formed  a  part.  l)y  some  half  dozen 
rude  steps  on  either  side  ;  antl  on  this  platform  was  placed  a  long  eighteen 
pounder,  that  commanded  the  whole  extent  of  road  leading  from  the  draw- 
l»i  idge  to  the  river.  Hither  the  otlicers  bad  all  repaired,  while  the  schooner 
was  in  the  act  of  passing  the  town  ;  and  now  that,  suddenly  brought  up  in 
the  wind's  eye,  she  rode  leisurely  in  the  offing,  every  movement  on  her  decks 
was  plainly  discernable  with  the  telescope. 

•'  Where  oan  Uanvers  have  hid  all  his  crew  ?"  first  spoke  Captain  Er.skinc ; 
•'  I  count  but  liLlf  a  dozen  hands  altogether  on  deck,  and  these  are  barely  suf- 
fioient  to  work  her." 

"  LjMng  concealed,  and  ready,  no  doubt,  to  give  the  canoes  a  warm  recep- 
tion," observed  Lieutenant  Jolinstone ;  "but  where  can  our  friends  be? 
Surely,  if  there,  they  would  .show  themselves  to  us." 

There  was  in  truth  in  this  remark ;  and  each  felt  discouraged  iind  disap- 
pointed that  they  did  not  appear. 

''  There  come  the  whoojjing  hell  fiends,"  said  Major  iJlack  water.  '•  By 
heaven  I  the  very  water  is  darkened  with  the  shadows  of  their  canoes." 

Scarcely  had  he  spoken,  when  the  vessel  was  suddenly  surrounded  by  8 
multitude  of  .savages,  whose  fierce  shouts  rent  the  air,  while  their  dripping 
paddles,  gleaming  like  silver  in  tl^e  rays  of  the  rising  .sun,  were  alternately 
waved  aloft  in  triumph,  and  then  plunged  into  the  troubled  element,  which 
Ihey  spurned  in  fury  from  their  blades. 

"  What  can  Danvers  be  about?  Why  does  he  not  either  o  en  his  fire,  or 
crowd  sail  and  away  from  them  ?"  exclaimed  .several  voices. 

■  The  detachment  is  in  readiness,  sir,"  said  Mr.  Lawson,  and  ascending  the 
platform,  and  addressing  Major  Blackwater. 

" The  decks  the  deck !"  shouted  Erskine.  .  ..  _      _  .- 


Ill 


m 

m 

i-.iiii 
fill 


202 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPflECY. 


Alrca.1y  the  eyes  of  several  were  V>ent  in  the  direction  allude*!  to  by  the 
last  speaker,  while  those  whose  attcnlion  had  been  diverted  bv  the  approach- 
ing canoes  glanced  rapidly  to  the  same  point.  To  the  snrprise  and  conster 
nation  of  all,  the  tall  and  well-remcnihcred  form  of  the  warrior  of  the  Flenr 
de  Lis  was  seen  towering  far  above  the  brhvarks  of  the  schooner;  and  with 
an  expression  in  the  attitude  he  bad  assumed,  which  no  one  could  mistake 
for  other  than  that  of  triumphant  defiance.  Presently  he  drew  from  the 
bosom  of  his  hunting  coat  a  dark  parcel,  and  springing  into  the  rigging  of  the 
mainmast,  ascended  with  incredible  activity  to  the  point  where  the  Kngii'.h 
ensign  was  faintly  tloating  in  the  breeze.  This  he  tore  furiously  away,  and 
rending  it  into  many  pieces,  cast  the  fragments  into  the  silver  element  beneath 
him,  on  whose  bosom  they  were  seen  to  float  among  the  canoes  of  the  savages 
many  of  whom  possessed  themselves,  with  eagerness,  of  the  gaudy  colored 
trophies.  The  dark  parcel  was  now  unfolded  by  the  active  warrior,  who. 
after  having  waved  it  se\'eral  times  roimd  his  head,  commenced  attaching  it  to 
the  lines  •»'hence  the  English  cnsion  ba'l  so  recently  been  torn.  It  was  a  largo 
6lack  flag,  the  purport  of  which  was  too  readily  comprehended  by  the  excit 
ed  officers. 

'•  Hang  the  ruffian  !  can  we  not  manage  to  make  that  flag  serve  as  his  own 
winding  sheet  ?"  exclainicd  Captan  Erskine.  "  Come,  Wentworth.  give  us  a 
second  edition  of  the  sortie  tiring ;  I  know  no  man  who  understands  pointing 
a  giui  better  than  yourself,  and  this  eighteen  pounder  might  do  some  mis- 
chief." 

The  idea  was  instantly  caught  at  by  the  officer  of  artillery,  who  read  h\% 
consent  in  the  eye  of  Colonel  de  Haldimar.  His  companions  made  way  on 
dither  side ;  and  several  gunners,  who  were  already  at  their  stations,  having 
advanced  to  work  the  piece  at  the  command  of  their  captain,  it  was  speedily 
brought  to  bear  upon  the  schoon'^r. 

"  This  will  do,  I  think,"  said  Wentworth,  as,  glancing  his  experienced  eye 
carefully  along  the  gun,  he  found  it  pointed  immediately  on  the  gigantic  frame 
of  the  wairior.  "If  this  chain-shot  miss  him,  it  will  be  through  no  fault  of 
mine." 

Every  eye  was  now  riveted  on  the  main  mast  of  the  schooner,  where  tho 
warrior  was  still  engaged  in  attaching  the  portentous  flag.  The  gunner,  who 
fceld  the  match,  obeyed  the  silent  signal  of  bis  captain  ;  and  the  massive  ii-on 
was  heard  rushing  pa«t  the  officers,  bound  on  its  murderous  mission.  A  mo- 
ment or  two  of  intense  anxiety  elapsed  ;  and  when  at  length  the  rolling  vol- 
umes  of  smoke  gradually  floated  away,  to  the  dismay  and  disappointment  of 
all,  the  fierce  warrior  was  seen  standing  a})parcntly  unharmed  on  the  same 
spot  in  the  rigging.  The  shot  had,  however,  been  well  aimed,  for  a  large  rent 
in  the  outstretched  canvass,  close  at  his  side,  and  about  mid-height  of  bis 
person,  marked  the  direction  it  had  taken.  Again  he  toi-e  away,  and  trium- 
phantly waved  the  black  flag  around  his  head,  while  from  his  capacious  lungs 
there  burst  yells  of  defiance  and  scorn,  that  could  be  distinguished  for  his 
own  even  at  that  distance.  This  done,  he  again  secured  the  death  symbol  to 
its  place ;  and  gliding  to  the  deck  by  a  single  rope,  appeared  to  give  orders  to 
the  few  men  of  the  crew  who  were  to  be  seen ;  for  every  stitch  of  canvass 
was  again  made  to  fill,  and  the  vessel,  bounding  forward  before  the  breeze 
then  blowing  upon  her  Q.uarter<  shot  rapidbr  behind  the  town*  and  was  finally 


peer 
(ibol 


"U-ACOrSTA,  OR,  TTIE  PHOPIIECT. 


2  3 


I  to  by  the 
J  apprcach- 
nd  constor 
ftlie  FltMir 
;  and  with 
Id  misiitko 
'  from  tho 
girjfrof  tlu' 
rie  Knjiii>h 
avray.  and 
nt  beneath 
10  saviifi'fs 
dy  coloied 
rior.  wlio. 
ching  it  to 
as  a  large 
the  excit 

IS  his  own 

give  tis  a 

«  pointing 

jome  mis- 

)  read  bin 

e  wny  on 

IS,  having 

speedily 

need  eye 
tic  frame 
I  fault  of 

bcre  tlio 
nor,  who 
sive  i)-()n 

A  mo- 
ing  vol. 
ncnt  of 
le  same 
rge  rent 

of  his 

iriiim- 
s  lungs 
for  his 
nbol  to 
ders  to 
;anvas3 
l«'ecz« 
finally 


peon  to  cast  anchor  In  tlic  navigable  channel  that  divides  Hog  Island  from  the 
nhores  of  Canada. 

At  the  discliarge  of  the  eighteen  pounder,  the  river  had  been  suddenly 
cleared,  as  if  by  magic,  of  every  canoe ;  wliile,  warned  by  the  same  danger, 
the  groui)s  of  inbabitants.  as'^cmbled  on  tbe  bnnk.  bad  rushed  for  shelter  to 
their  respei-live  homes  ;  so,  thai,  whtii  the  schooner  disappeared,  not  a  vestige 
of  human  life  was  to  be  seen  along  that  vista  so  recently  peopled  with  human 
forms.  An  oider  from  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  to  tbe  adjutant,  countermanding 
the  sortie,  was  the  Hrst  interruption  to  tbe  silence  that  had  continued  to  per- 
va<le  tbe  little  l)and  of  officers ;  aud  two  or  three  of  these  having  hastened  to 
the  western  front  of  tbe  rampart,  in  order  to  obtain  a  more  distinct  view  cf 
the  movements  of  the  s(;booner,  their  example  was  speedily  followed  bv  tli« 
remainder,  all  of  whom  now  (piitted  the  platform,  and  repaired  to  the  sanifc 
point. 

Here,  with  the  ai  1  of  their  telescopes,  they  again  distinctly  commanded  a 
»iew  of  tbe  vessel,  which  lay  motionless  close  under  tbe  sandy  beach  of  (be 
island,  and  exbil)iting  all  the  technicalities  of  skill  in  tbe  disposition  of  sails 
and  yards  peculiar  to  the  piofession.  In  vain,  however,  was  every  eyes- train- 
ed to  discover,  amonj;  tbe  multitudes  of  .savages  that  kept  momentarily  leaping 
to  her  deck,  tbe  forms  of  those  in  whom  they  were  most  interested.  A  grouf 
of  some  half  dozen  men.  a])[)areiit!y  conuuon  sailors,  and  those,  in  all  proba 
biJity.  whose  services  bad  been  coini)el!ed  in  the  working  of  tlie  vessel,  wero 
the  only  evidences  that  civilised  man  formed  a  portion  of  that  grotesque  as- 
semblage. These,  with  their  arms  evidentl}'  bound  behind  their  backs,  and 
placed  on  one  of  the  gangways,  were  only  visible  at  interval?,  as  the  baml  r>f 
savages  tint  surrounded  them,  brandiybing  their  tomahawks  around  ibei\ 
heads,  oceanic  nally  left  an  opening  in  their  circle.  The  formidable  warrior  of 
the  Fleiir  do  Lis  was  no  longer  to  be  seen,  although  the  liag  which  he  had 
hoisted  still  fluttered  in  tbe  breeze. 


All  is  lost,  then."  ejaculated  the 


governor,  with 


a  mournfulness  of  voice 


and  manner  that  caused  many  of  bis  officers  to  turn  and  regard  him  with 
Kurprse.  ''  That  black  ilag  announces  tbe  triumph  of  my  foe  in  tbe  too  cer- 
tain destruction  of  my  children.  Now.  indeed."  be  conclude<l  in  a  lower  tone, 
'•for  the  first  time,  does  the  curse  of  Kllen  llalloway  sit  heavily  upon  my 

A  deep  sigh  burst  from  one  immediately  behind  biin.  The  governor  turned 
Fuddenly  round,  and  beheld  his  son.  Never  did  human  countenance  wear  a 
character  of  more  poignant  misery  than  that  of  tbe  unhapjjy  Charles  at  tbe 
moment.  Attracted  by  the  report  of  tbe  cannon,  be  bad  tiown  to  tbe  ram- 
part to  ascertain  the  cause,  and  had  reached  his  companions  only  to  learn  tb« 
strong  hope  so  recently  kindled  in  his  breast  was  iled  for  ever.  His  cbei-k 
over  which  hung  bis  neglected  hair,  was  now  pale  as  marble,  and  his  lipa 
bloodless  and  parted  ;  yet,  notwithstanding  this  intensity  of  persoiral  sonow 
a  tear  had  started  to  bis  eye,  a[»parently  wrung  from  him  by  this  imusual  ex- 
pression of  dismay  in  his  father. 

"  Charles — my  son — my  only  now  remaining  child,"  murmured  tbe  gov- 
ernor, with  emotion,  as  be  remarked  and  started  at  tlie  death-like  image  of 
the  youth  ;  "  look  not  thus,  or  you  will  utterly  unman  me." 

A.  sudden  and  involuntar.y  impulse  caused  him  to  extend  his  arms.    The 


I  il 


204 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  TlIK  PKOPITECY. 


young  officer  spranj;  fbrwnri  into  the  profTcrcd  eml)rarc,  and  sank  his  head 
upon  the  cheek  of  his  father.  It  was  the  first  time  he  had  enjoyed  that  priv- 
lege  sincfe  his  childhood  ;  and  even  overwhelmed  as  he  was  by  his  atiliction, 
ae  felt 't  deeply. 

This  short  but  tonehinp:  srene  was  witnessed  by  their  enmpanions,  without 
levity  in  any,  and  with  emotion  by  several.  None  I'cit  mure  gratified  at  this 
demonstration  of  parental  affection  for  the  sensitive'  boj',  than  Blessington  and 
Erskine. 

"  I  cannot  yet  persuade  myself,"  observed  the  former  officer,  as  the  colonel 
again  assumed  that  dignity  of  demeanor  which  had  been  momentarily  lost 
5i<:bt  of  in  the  ebullition  of  his  feelings, — '  I  cannot  yet  nersuada  myself 
tfiings  are  altogether  so  bad  as  they  appear.  It  is  true  the  schooner  is  in  the 
|M»ssession  of  the  enemy,  but.  there  is  nothing  to  prove  our  iViends  are  on 
board." 

••  If  you  liad  reason  to  know  him  into  whose  hands  she  has  fallen,  as  T  do, 
you  would  think  differently,  Ca[)tain  Blessinglon."  returned  the  governor. 
•'Shat  mysterious  being."  he  pursued,  after  a  short  j)a  use, 'would  never 
have  made  this  parad«  of  his  conquest,  had  it  relate<l  merely  to  a  few  lives, 
which  to  him  are  of  utter  insignificance.  The  very  substitution  of  yon  black 
flag,  in  his  insolent  triumph,  was  the  pletlge  of  redemption  of  a  threat  brealh- 
sd  in  my  ear  within  this  very  fort ;  on  what  occasion  I  need  not  state,  since 
the  events  connected  with  that  unhappy  night  arc  still  fresh  in  the  recollec- 
tions of  us  all.  That  he  is  my  pergonal  enemy,  gentlemen,  it  would  be  in 
vain  to  disguise  from  you  ;  although  who  he  is,  or  of  what  nature  his  enmity, 
it  imi)orts  not  now  to  enter  up'Mi.  Suffice  it,  I  have  little  doubt  my  children 
are  \\\  his  power;  but  whether  the  black  flag  indicates  they  aie  no  more,  or 
that  thts  tragedy  is  only  in  preparation.  1  "onfess  I  am  at  a  loss  to  understand.'^ 

Deeply  affected  by  the  evident  despondency  that  had  dictated  these  unusual 
tdmi.ssions  on  the  part  of  their  chief,  the  officers  were  forward  to  combat  the 
inferences  he  had  drawn;  several  coinciding  in  the  opinion  now  expressed  by 
Captain  Wentworth,  that  the  fact  of  the  schooner  having  fallen  into  the  han<'; 
of  the  savages  by  no  nkOans  implied  the  capture  of  the  fort  whence  she  came; 
since  it  wa«  not  at  all  unlil  ely  she  had  been  chased  during  a  calm  by  the  nu- 
Bicroiis  canoes  into  the  Sinclair,  where,  owing  to  the  extreme  narrowness  o{ 
the  river,  she  had  fallen  an  easy  prey. 

'•  Moreover,"  observed  Captain  lilessing^on,  "  it  is  highly  imjyrobable  th«i 
fer<K'ious  warrioi  could  have  succeeded  in  capturing  any  others  than  the  tin- 
fortunate  crew  of  the  schooner ;  for  had  this  been  the  case,  he  would  not 
have  lost  the  opportunity  of  crowning  his  triumph  by  exhibiting  his  victims 
to  our  view  in  some  conspicuous  part  of  the  vessel." 

'•This,  I  grant  you,"  rejoined  the  governor  "  to  be  one  solitary  circuu.- 
stance  in  our  favor ;  but  may  it  not,  after  all,  merely  prove  that  our  worst  ap- 
prehensions are  already  realised  ?" 

''  He  is  not  one,  methinks,  since  vengeance  seems  his  aim,  to  exercise  it  in 
so  .summary,  and  therefore  merciful,  a  manner.  Depend  upon  it,  colonel,  had 
»ny  one  of  those  in  whom  we  are  more  immediately  interested,  fallen  into  his 
hands,  he  would  not  have  failed  to  insult  and  agonise  us  by  an  exhibition  of 
his  prisoners." 
"You  are  rij^ht,  Blessington,"  exclaimed  Charles  de  Haldimar,  in  a  voice 


1<  his  hca<I 
that  piiv- 
is  attliction, 

IS,  without 
tied  at  this 
sington  and 

the  colonel 

itarily  lost 

uh  mj'scif 

r  is  in  the 

ds  arc  on 

^n,  as  T  do, 

govc'inor. 

mid   never 

I  fi'W  lives, 

yon  Mack 

eat  hreath- 

<tato,  since 

le  recollec- 

Mdd  be  in 

lis  enmity, 

\y  children 

0  more,  or 
derstand/ 
•seunusnal 
t>mbat  the 
)ressed  hv 

the  hant''; 
she  came  ; 
>y  the  nil- 

iWDL'SS  of 

bable  th«i 

1  the  un- 
■oidd  not 
is  victims 

f  circim.- 
worst  up- 

rcise  it  in 
onel,  had 
11  into  his 
ibition  of 

n  a  voice 


WACOirST.N,  OR,  TIIK  I'HOPHKCY. 


205 


tluit  his  choking  feelings  rendered  almost  sepulchral ;  ''he  ig  not  one  to  ex- 
ercise his  vengeance  in  a  summar}'  and  merciful  manner.  The  deed  is  yet  un- 
accomplished, for  even  now  the  curse  of  Ellen  lluUoway  rings  again  in  my 
var.  ai.d  tehs  me  the  atoning  blood  must  be  spilt  on  the  grave  of  her  hus- 
band." 

The  peculiar  tone  in  which  these  words  were  uttered,  caused  every  one  pre- 
sent to  turn  and  regard  the  speaker,  for  they  recalled  the  prophetic  language 
gf  tho  unhappy  woman.  There  was  now  a  wildness  of  expression  in  his  hand- 
sotne  f'jalures,  marking  the  mind  utterly  dead  to  hope,  yet  struggling  to  work 
itself  up  to  passive  en<lurance  of  the  worst.  Colonel  de  llaldimar  sighed 
painfully,  as  he  bent  his  eye  half  reproiichfully  on  the  dull  and  attenuate<l 
features  of  his  son  ;  and  although  he  spoke  not,  his  look  betrayed  the  angui.-.li 
tliat  allusion  had  called  up  to  his  heart.     ^ 

"  lla !  what  new  movement  is  that  on  the  part  of  the  savages?"  exclaimed 
Captain  Krskine.  who  had  ke|)t  his  glass  to  his  eye  mechanically,  and  chiefly 
with  a  view  of  hiding  the  emotion  produced  in  him  by  the  almost  infantine 
despair  of  the  younger  de  llaldimar:  "  surely  it  is — yet,  no,  it  cannot  be — 
yes,  see  ho  v  they  are  dragging  several  pi-isoners  from  the  wood  to  the  beach. 
1  can  distinctly  see  a  man  in  a  blanket  coat,  and  two  others  considerably 
taller,  and  apparently  sailors.  Hut  look,  behind  them  arc  two  females  in  Eu- 
ropean dress.     Almighty  heaven  !  there  can  he  no  doul)t." 

A  painful  pause  ensued.  Every  other  glass  and  eye  was  levelled  in  the  same 
direction ;  and.  as  Erskinc  had  described  it.  a  party  of  Indians  were  .seen,  by 
those  who  had  the  telescopes,  conducting  five  prisoners  towards  a  canoe  that 
lay  in  the  channel  communicating  from  the  island  with  the  main  land  on  tii' 
Detroit  shore.  Into  the  bottom  of  these  they  were  pre.sently  huddled,  tic 
that  only  their  heads  and  .shoulders  were  visible  above  the  gunwale  of 
*he  frail  huk  Presently  a  tall  warrior  was  .seen  boun<ling  from  the  wood 
towards  the  beach.  The  crowd  of  gesticulating  Indians  made  way,  and  the 
warrior  was  seen  to  stoop  and  apply  his  shoulder  to  the  canoe,  one  half  of 
which  was  high  and  dry  upon  the  sands.  The  heavily  laden  vessel  obey- 
ed the  impetus  with  a  rapidity  that  proved  the  muscula-  power  of  him  who 
gave  it.  Like  some  wild  animal,  ini;tinct  with  life,  it  lashed  the  foaming 
waters  from  its  bows,  and  left  a  deep  and  gurgling  furrow  where  it  pa.ss- 
cd.  As  it  quitted  the  .shore  the  warrior  sprang  lightly  in,  taking  his  sta- 
tion at  the  .stern;  an*'  while  his  tall  and  remarkable  figure  bent  nimbly 
to  the  movement,  he  dashed  his  paddle  from  right  to  left  alternately  in  the 
stream,  with  a  quickness  that  rendered  it  almost  invi.«,il)le  to  the  eye.  Pre- 
sently the  canoe  disappeared  round  an  intervening  headland,  and  the  cflB<;era 
lost  sight  of  it  altogether. 

"  The  portrait,  (Jharles  ;  what  have  you  done  with  the  por  »Tait  ?"  exclaimed 
<^antain  lilessin'ztm.  actuated  by  a  sudden  recollection,  and  iv'ith  a  t  'epidation 
in  his  voice  and  manner  that  .spoke  volumes  of  despair  to  the  younger  de  llal- 
dimar. "This  is  our  only  hope  of  solving  the  mystery.  Quick,  give  me  the 
portrait,  if  you  have  it." 

The  young  oflicer  hurriedly  tore  the  miniature  from  the  breast  of  his  uni- 
form, and  pitched  it  through  the  interval  that  separated  him  from  his  captain, 
who  stood  a  few  feet  off;  but  with  so  uncertain  and  trembling  an  aim.  it 
missed  the  hand  extended  to  secure  it,  and  fell  upon  the  very  stone  the  youth 
bad  formerly  i^ointed  out  to  Blessinxton^  as  marking  the  particular  spot  oa 


■m 


:  ■  r 


^\m 


206 


WACOUSTA,  Oil,  TUE  PKOPHKCY. 


during 


execution  of  Hallowai 


violence  of  the 


which  he  si 

separated  th( 

of  white  and  crumbled  paper,  apparently  part  of  the  back  of  a  letter,  yet  cut 

the  size  and  shape  of  the  miniature,  was  exhibited  to  tlie  view  of  all. 

•*  Ha !"  resumed  the  pratified  BlessinRton,  as  he  .stooped  to  possess  himself 
of  the  prize  ;  "  I  knew  the  miniature  would  be  found  to  contain  some  intelli- 
gence from  our  friends.  It  is  only  this  moment  it  occurred  to  me  to  take  i^ 
to  pieces,  but  accident  has  anticipated  my  purpose.  May  the  omen  prove  » 
good  one !    But  what  have  we  here  ?" 

With  some  difficulty,  the  anxious  officer  now  succeeded  in  makinp;  out  th« 
characters,  which,  in  default  of  pen  or  pencil,  had  been  formed  by  the  prick- 
ing of  a  fine  pin  on  the  paper.  The  broken  sentences,  on  which  tlie  wiioU 
of  the  group  now  hung  with  frreedy  ear,  ran  nearly  as  follows : — '  Al  is  lost. 
Michillimackinac  is  take".  We  are  prisoners,  and  doomed  to  die  within  eight 
and  forty  hours.  Alas !  Clara  and  Madeline  are  of  oui  number.  Still  there 
is  a  hope,  if  my  father  deem  it  prudent  to  incur  the  risk.  A  suiprise,  well 
managed,  may  do  much ;  but  it  must  be  to-morrow  night ;  forty-eijiht  hours 
more,  and  it  will  be  of  no  avail.  Ho  who  will  deliver  this  is  our  friend,  anu 
the  enemy  of  my  father's  enemy.  He  will  be  in  the  spot  at  the  same  liour  to- 
morrow night,  and  will  conduct  the  detachment  to  wherever  we  may  chance 
to  be.  If  you  fail  in  your  entei-prise,  receive  our  last  prayers  for  a  less  disas- 
trous fate.    God  bless  you  all !" 

The  blood  ran  coldly  through  every  vein  dm-ing  the  perusal  of  these  imr..^r- 
tant  sentences,  but  not  one  word  of  comment  was  oflcred  by  an  individual  of 
the  group.  No  explanation  was  necessary.  The  captives  in  the  canoe,  the 
tall  warrior  in  its  stern,  all  sufficiently  betrayed  the  horrible  truth.  Colonel 
dc  Haldimar  at  length  turned  an  enquiring  look  at  his  two  captains,  and  then 
addressing  the  adjutant,  asked — '•  What  couipauies  are  otf  duty  to-day,  Mr. 
Lawson  ?" 

"  Mine,"  said  Blessington,  with  an  energy  that  denoted  how  deeply  rejoiced 
he  felt  at  the  fact,  without  giving  the  adjutant  time  to  reply. 

"  And  mine,"  impetuously  added  Captain  Erskine ;  "and  (with  an  oath)  I 
will  answer  for  them ;  they  never  embarked  on  a  duty  of  that  sort  with  greater 
ceal  than  they  will  on  this  occasion." 

"  Gentlemen,  I  thank  you,"  .said  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  with  deep  emotion, 
as  he  stepped  forward  and  grasped  in  turn  the  hands  of  the  generous-hearted 
officers.     "  To  heaven,  and  to  your  exertions,  do  1  commit  my  children !" 

"  Any  artillery,  colonel  ?"  enquired  the  officer  of  that  coips. 

"No,  Wentworth,  no  artillery.  Whatever  remains  to  be  done,  must  be 
achieved  by  the  bayonet  alone,  and  under  favor  of  thv»  darkness,  (gentlemen, 
again  I  thank  you  for  this  generous  interest  in  my  children — this  forwardness 
in  an  enterprise  on  which  depend  the  lives  of  .so  many  dear  friends.  I  am  not 
given  to  express  warm  emotion,  but  I  do,  indeed,  appreciate  this  con  luct 
deeply."  He  then  moved  away,  desiring  Mr.  Lavt'son,  as  he  quitted  the  ram- 
part, to  cause  the  men  for  this  .service  to  be  got  in  instant  readiness. 

Following  the  example  of  their  colonel.  Captain  li'essington  and  Erskine 
(j^uitted  the  rampart  also,  hastening  to  satisfy  thenjselves  by  personal  inspec- 
tion of  the  efficiency  in  all  respects  of  their  several  companies ;  and  in  a  fev» 
minutes,  the  only  individual  to  bo  seen  m  that  quarter  of  the  works  was  'ihe 
■e&cinelf  who  had  how.  a  silent  and  pained  wita«ia  «f  all  that  passed  among 
higoffioerib 


3  of  the  fan 
cii]y  a  piece 
tter,  yet  cut 
all. 

<ess  himself 
;omc  intelli' 
u  to  take  i^ 
len  prove  $ 

:inp;  out  th« 
,'  the  j)iick- 
\  the  wholt 
•'  Al  is  lost, 
v'ithin  eight 
Slill  there 
j})i ise,  well 
jijiht  hourg 
Iriend.  anu 
ne  hour  to- 
nay  chance 
k  less  UisaS' 

icse  imLx^r- 

di vidua!  of 

canoe,  the 

Colonel 

and  theii 

0-day,  Mr. 

ily  rejoiced 

an  oath)  I 
ith  greater 

)  emotion, 
is-hearted 
ren !" 

must  be 
entlemen, 
rwardnesa 

I  am  not 
con  luot 

the  ram- 

d  Erskine 
lal  inspec- 
J  iu  a  Tevf 
s  was  ';he 
ed  among 


wacuusta,  oit,  Tuii  riiutuh.i.r^ 


CHAPTER  XX ni. 


2or 


SorPiciBNT  has  been  shown,  froi/i  the  conversations  amonf;  his  officers 
eliewhere  transcribed,  to  account  for  the  governor's  conduct  in  the  case  0/ 
llalloway.  That  the  ro)omuiondati(»ns  ofhhi  son,  Captain  de  llaldiinar.  had  not 
been  attended  to,  arose  not  from  any  particular  ill-will  towards  the  unhappy 
min,  hut  .simply  because  he  had  always  heen  in  the  habit  of  umking  his  own 
s'.'lections  from  the  raid<s,  and  that  the  present  recommendation  had  heen 
warmly  urged  by  one  whom  he  fancied  pretended  to  a  discrimination  superior 
to  his  owu,  in  pointing  out  merits  that  had  escaped  his  observation.  It  might 
be,  too,  that  there  was  a  latent  pride  about  the  manner  of  llalloway  that  di.*4- 
pleased  and  dissatisfied  one  wh.)  looked  upon  his  subordinates  as  things  that 
were  amenable  to  the  haughtiness  of  his  glance, — not  enough  of  deference  in 
his  demeanor,  nor  of  su])plicating  ohseqiiiousness  in  his  speech,  to  entitle  him 
to  the  promotion  prayed  for.  ^V''hatever  the  motive,  there  was  notliing  of  per- 
Bonality  io  influence  him  in  the  rejection  of  the  appeal  made  in  fjuor  of  one 
who  had  never  injured  him ;  but  who.  on  the  contrary,  as  the  whole  of  the 
regiment  could  attest,  had  saved  the  life  of  his  son. 

Rigid  disciplinarian  as  he  was,  and  holding  himself  responsible  for  the  safety 
of  the  garrison,  it  was  but  natural,  when  the  discovery  had  been  made  of  the 
unaccountable  imfastening  of  the  gate  of  the  fort,  suspicion  of  no  oi'dinary  kind 
should  attach  to  the  sentinel  posted  there ;  and  that  he  should  steadily  refuse 
all  credence  to  a  story  wearing  so  nuich  appearance  of  imi)robability.  Proud, 
and  infle.xihle,  and  bigoted  to  Urst  unpressions,  his  mind  was  closed  against 
tho.se  palliating  circumstances,  which,  adduced  by  llalloway  in  his  defence,  had 
so  mainly  contributed  to  stamp  the  conviction  of  his  moral  innocence  on  the 
,'ninds  of  his  judges  and  the  attentive  auditory ;  and  could  he  even  have  con- 
quered his  pride  so  far  as  to  have  admitted  the  belief  of  that  innocence,  still 
the  military  crime  of  which  he  had  been  guilty,  in  infringing  a  positive  order 
of  the  garrison,  was  in  itself  sutticient  to  call  forth  all  the  unrelenting  severity 
of  his  nature.  Throughout  the  ».'hole  of  too  proceedings  subsequently  insti- 
iuied,  he  had  acted  and  spoken  from  a  perfect  conviction  of  the  treason  of  the 
uafu  "tunate  soldier,  and  with  the  fidlest  im}>res.sion  of  the  falsehood  of  all  that 
had  oeen  offered  in  his  defence.  The  considerations  that  influenced  the  minds 
of  his  officers,  found  no  entrance  into  his  proud  breast,  which  was  closed 
against  everything  but  his  own  iligi\ilied  sense  of  superior  judgment.  Could  he. 
like  them,  have  given  credence  to  the  tale  of  Halloway,  or  really  have  believeu 
that  Captain  de  Ilaldimar,  educated  under  his  own  military  eye,  could  have 
been  so  wanting  in  suboi'dintuion,  as  not  merely  to  have  infringed  a  positive  or- 
der of  the  gaj'rison.  but  to  have  made  a  private  soldier  of  that  garrison  acceg- 
Bary  to  his  delinquency,  it  is  more  than  probable  his  stern  habits  of  military 
discipline  would  have  cau.sed  him  to  overlook  the  otl'ence  of  the  soldier,  in 
deeper  indignation  at  the  conduct  of  the  infinitely  more  culjjable  ollicer ;  but 
not  one  word  did  he  credit  of  a  statement,  which  he  assumed  had  been  got  up 
bx  the  prisoner  with  the  mere  view  of  shielding  himself  from  pimishment:  and 


i 

iff 


%■ 


ft 

m 


£08 


"WACOlblA,  on,  Tlit  rhOPHECYJ 

wnen  to  these  stispicions  of  his  Hlclify  wns  attached  the  fhct  of  the  Introfluo 
tion  of  his  aliiniiing  visiter,  it  tiiiist  ho  conrcsscd  his  motives  for  indulging  in 
thiH  belief  were  not  without  foinuhition. 

The  in»iiiitioncc  inanifcstod  tlminj;  the  trial  of  Ilalloway  was  not  a  result  of 
any  desu-e  of  systciuutic  porsociition.  hut  of  u  sense  of  wounded  difrnity.  It 
was  a  thinj;  unlieurd  of  and  inii.ardoniildu  in  his  eyes,  for  a  private  soldier  to 
afwert,  in  his  presenee,  his  lioiioi'  mxl  his  ii'spertuhility  in  extenuation,  even 
while  aihnittiu<;  the  jusli'".-  of  a  .-peeili';  'harye  ;  tiiid  wlieii  he  remarked  the 
court  listening  with  tliat  profound  attention,  which  the  peculiar  history  "if  the 
prisoner  had  excited,  he  could  not  repre.sM  the  ruanifestiili«)n  of  his  anger.  In 
lustiee  to  linu.  however,  it  must  be  arknowlf.«lc«d  that,  in  causing  the  cliar-'« 
to  which  the  unfortunate  man  pleaded  gunty,  to  i)e  lrame<l.  he  had  Dnly  .u  ted 
from  the  conviction  that,  on  the  two  (irst,  tliere  was  nt^t  suflicient  evidence  to 
condemn  one  whose  crime  was  as  clearly  estahli.shed.  to  his  judgment,  as  if  he 
had  been  an  eye-witne.ss  of  the  treason.  It  is  true,  he  availed  himself  of  Hal- 
loway's  voluntary  confession,  to  effect  his  condemnation  ;  but  estimating  him 
asi  a  traitor,  he  felt  little  delicacy  was  necessary  to  be  observed  on  that  scon*. 

Much  of  the  despotic  military  character  of  Colonel  de  Haldimar  had  been 
communicated  to  his  private  life ;  so  much,  indeed,  that  his  .son.s,— both  of 
whom,  it  has  been  seen,  were  of  natures  that  belied  their  origin  from  so  stern 
a  stock, — were  kci)t  at  nearly  as  great  a  distance  from  him  as  any  other  snl,-- 
ordinates  of  his  regiment.  But  although  he  .seldom  indulged  in  manifestationa 
of  parental  regard  towards  those  whom  he  looked  upon  rather  as  inferiors  in 
military  rank,  than  as  beings  connected  with  him  by  the  ties  of  blood,  Colonel 
de  Haldimar  was  not  without  that  instinctive  love  for  his  children,  which 
every  animal  in  the  creation  feels  for  its  offspring.  lie,  also,  valued  and  took 
a  pride  in,  becau.se  they  reflected  a  certain  degree  of  lustre  upon  himself  the 
talents  and  accomplishments  of  his  eldest  s<»n,  who,  moreover,  was  a  bijoe, 
onterjirising  officer,  and,  only  wanted,  in  his  fjither's  estimation,  that  severity 
of  carriage  and  hauteur  of  dcportnicnt.  befitting  his  son,  to  render  him  per- 
fect. As  for  Charles, — the  gentle,  bland,  winning,  universally  conciliating 
Charles, — he  looked  upon  him  a  mere  weak  boy,  who  could  never  hope  to  ar- 
rive at  any  post  of  distinction,  if  only  by  reason  ^f  the  extreme  delicacy  of  Ins 
physical  organi.sation  ;  and  to  have  shown  anything  like  respect  for  his  char- 
acter, indulged  in  any  expression  of  tenderness  for  one  so  far  below  his  esti- 
mate of  what  a  soldier,  a  child  of  his,  ought  to  be,  would  have  been  a  conces- 
tnoxx  of  which  his  proud  nature  was  incapable.  In  his  daughter  Clara,  however, 
ihe  gentleness  of  rex  claimed  that  warmer  affection  which  was  denied  to  him 
who  resembled  her  in  almost  every  attribute  of  mind  and  person.  Colonel  do 
Haldimar  doated  on  his  daughter  with  a  tenderness,  for  which  few  who  were 
familiar  with  his  harsh  and  unbending  nature,  ever  gave  him  credit.  She  was 
the  in.age  of  one  on  whom  all  of  love  that  ho  had  ever  known  had  been  cen- 
tered ;  and  he  had  continued  in  Clara  an  affection,  that  seemed  in  itself  to 
form  a  portion,  distinct  and  apart,  of  his  existence. 

We  have  already  seen,  as  stated  by  Charles  de  Haldimar  to  the  unforttj- 
natc  wife  of  Ilalloway,  with  what  little  success  he  had  pleaded  in  the  inter- 
view he  had  requested  of  his  father  for  the  preserver  of  his  gallant  bi'other's 
ufe ;  and  wo  have  also  seen  how  equally  inefficient  was  the  lowly  and  suppli- 
cating anguish  of  that  wietched  beinj^,  when  on  quitting  the  apartment  of  hia 


WACUl.^l'A,  OK,  Tiiii  P&»PaB«T. 


the  Introfluo 
indulging  in 

)t  a  result  of 
difrnity.  It 
itc  solilicr  to 
Illation,  fvcu 
fin!uk(<l  ilie 
listorv  <il'  the 
s  anger.  In 
K  the  cliar.'t 
(I  only  adtd 
t  evi«lon(T  to 
iK'nt.  us  if  lie 
iiself  of  Ilal- 
:iinutin^'  him 
n  that  sc(ii»». 
lar  had  \n-vn 
IS, — both  (»f 
ioni  so  stern 
y  other  su!;- 
anifestationa 
s  inferiors  in 
ood,  Colonel 
Idrcn,  whirh 
icd  and  took 
himself,  the 
was  a  bni^c, 
that  scvej'ity 
der  him  pi  r- 
conciliating 
hope  to  ar- 
licacy  of  his 
or  his  clijir- 
ow  his  I'sti- 
en  a  conce.s- 
I'a,  however, 
inied  to  hi>n 
Colonel  «lo 
w  who  were 
it.  She  wjis 
id  been  cen- 
1  in  itself  to 

he  unfortu- 
1  the  inter- 
it  bi'other's 
and  suppli- 
;mcnt  of  hia 


209 


ion,  Colonel  de  Haldininr  bad  so  unexpectedly  foimd  himself  clasped  In  her 
despaTing  embrace.  There  was  little  to  be  expected  from  nn  intercession  on 
the  part  of  one  claiming  so  little  ascendancy  ovej-  his  father's  heart  as  the 
universally  esteemed  young  ollicer  ;  still  less  from  one  who,  in  her  shriek  of 
ugony,  had  exposed  the  haughty  chief  to  the  observation  both  of  men  mid 
oflicers,  and  under  circumstances  that  (caused  his  position  to  border  on  the  lu- 
dicrous. Rut  however  these  considerations  niiiiht  have  f-.iled  in  efi'ect.  thero 
was  another  which,  as  a  soldier,  he  c(»ii]d  not  wholly  overlook.  Altlioimh  he 
had  offered  no  comment  on  the  extraordinary  recuumundation  to  men  v  an- 
nexed to  t]i(!  .sentence  of  the  i)ri.soner,  it  had  a  certain  weight  with  him  ;  and 
he  felt,  all  ab.soluto  even  a."  he  was,  he  could  not.  without  exciting  strong  dis. 
witisfaction  among  his  troops,  refu.so  attention  to  a  document  .so  powerfiiUv 
worded,  and  bearing  the  signature  and  approval  of  .^o  old  and  valuab'i'  an 
ofllcer  as  Captain  Bhwsington.  His  determination,  tlierefore.  had  been  foi  iiied, 
even  before  his  viyit  to  his  .son,  to  act  as  circumstances  might  require;  and, 
in  the  meanwhile,  he  commanded  every  preiKvration  for  the  execution  lo  be 
made. 

In  causnig  a  strong  detachment  to  be  marched  to  the  conspicuous  pi  nt 
chjsen  for  his  purpose,  ho  had  acted  from  a  conviction  of  the  necessity  of 
miowing  the  enemy  the  treason  of  the  soldier  hu  J  been  dckicted  ;  res'v\ii>5 
to  hmijielf  the  determination  of  carrying  the  sentence  into  full  ertect,  or  par 
doning  the  condenmcd,  as  the  event  might  warrant.  Not  one  moment,  mean 
while,  did  he  doubt  the  guilt  of  Ilalloway,  whose  description  of  the  per.son 
ot  his  enoiny  wa.s,  in  itself,  to  him,  confirmatory  evidence  of  his  treason,  (t 
is  doubtful  whether  ho  would,  in  any  way,  have  been  inlluonced  bv  the  locom- 
meudation  of  the  court,  liad  the  first  chai-ges  been  substantiated ;  but  a-j 
there  was  nothing  but  conjecture  to  bear  out  thjst,  and  as  the  prisoner  had 
been  convicted  only  on  the  ground  of  suffering  Ca  )tain  de  llaldimar  to  (piit 
the  fort  contrary  to  orders,  he  felt  he  might  possibly  go  too  far  in  can\  ing 
the  capital  punishment  into  effect,  in  decided  opposition  to  the  general  feeling 
of  the  garri.son, — both  of  oflicers  and  men. 

When  the  shot  was  sub.sequently  fired  from  the  hut  of  the  Canadian,  and 
the  daring  rifleman  recognised  as  th'>  same  fearful  individual  who  had  gained 
pcce.ss  to  his  apartment  the  preceding  night,  conviction  of  the  guilt  of  Hallo- 
way  came  even  deeper  home  to  the  mind  of  the  governor.  It  was  through 
Fran<;ois  alorie  that  a  communication  was  kept  up  .secretly  between  the  gar- 
rison and  several  of  the  Canadians  without  the  fort ;  and  the  very  fact  of^  the 
mysterious  warrior  having  been  there  so  recently  after  his  daring  enterprise, 
bore  evidence  that  whatever  trea.son  was  in  ojieration.  had  been  carried  ou 
through  the  instrumentality  of  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis.  In  proof, 
moreover,  there  was  the  hat  of  Donellan,  and  the  very  rope  Ilalloway  had 
UTAted  to  be  that  by  which  the  unfortunate  ollicer  had  effected  his  exit  Colo- 
nel de  llaldimar  was  not  one  given  to  indulge  in  the  mysterious  or  to  believe 
in  the  romantic.  Everything  was  plain  matter  of  fact,  as  it  now  appeared 
before  him ;  and  he  thought  it  evident,  as  though  it  had  been  written  in  word>» 
of  fire,  that  if  his  sou  and  his  unfortunate  servant  had  quitted  the  fort  in  the 
manner  represented,  it  was  no  less  certain  they  had  been  foi-ced  otlliy  a  party, 
at  the  head  of  whom  was  his  vindictive  enemy^  and  with  the  cunuivaucc  of 


m 

ill! 


I 


210 


WAC0U8TA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


Ilulloway.  Wo  have  Hocn,  that  nflcr  the  dtsrovcry  of  the  sex  of  the  supposed 
drmnmt'r-boy  when  the  prisoners  were  confronted  to>;ether.  Colonel  de  Hul- 
dimur  liiid  closely  watched  the  expression  of  their  conntenanees,  hnt  failed  iu 
discoverinf;  anything  thata)uld  l>o  traced  into  evidence  of  a  p;nilty  reeoj^nition. 
Slid  ho  conceived  his  ori<.':inid  impression  to  have  l)een  too  forcibly  horno  out, 
even  by  tl»e  events  of  the  hist  half  hour,  to  allow  this  to  have  much  weipht 
\vi'.h  hiu) ;  and  his  determination  to  carry  the  thing  through  all  its  fearftd 
pifiiminary  sta)i;es  becatuo  more  and  more  conllrmed. 

in  adopting  this  resolution  in  the  tirst  instance,  ho  was  not  without  a  hope 
I  hat  Ilalloway,  sianding,  as  lie  must  feel  himself  to  be,  on  the  verge  of  the 
j;iiive,  might  be  induced  to  make  confession  of  his  guilt,  and  communieato 
whatever  particulars  might  prove  essential  not  only  to  tho  safety  Of  the  gar- 
rison generally,  but  to  him;  elf  im'  idually,  as  far  as  his  personal  enemy  was 
concerned.  With  this  view,  he  had  charged  Captain  Blessington,  in  the 
course  of  their  march  from  the  hut  to  the  fatal  bridge,  to  promise  a  full  par- 
don, provided  he  should  make  such  confession  of  his  crime  as  would  lead  to  a 
just  appreciation  of  the  evils  likely  to  resnlt  from  tho  treason  that  had  in 
part  been  accomplished.  Even  in  making  this  provision,  however,  which  was 
met  by  the  prisoner  with  .solemn  yet  dignilied  reiteration  of  his  innocence, 
Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  had  not  made  the  refusal  of  pardon  altogether  conclu- 
sive in  his  own  mind :  still,  in  adopting  this  plan,  there  was  a  chance  of  ob- 
taining a  confession  ;  and  not  until  there  was  no  longer  a  prospect  of  the  un- 
liuppy  man  being  led  into  that  confesijion,  did  ho  feci  it  iraperutivo  on  him  in 
Kta)  the  progress  of  the  tragedy. 

VV  hat  the  result  would  have  been.  Lad  not  Ilalloway,  in  tho  strong  excite- 
ment of  his  feeling.s,  sprung  to  his  feet  upon  tho  coffin,  uttering  tho  exclama- 
tion of  triu»nph,  is  scarcely  doubtful.  However  much  the  governor  might 
have  contemned  and  slighted  a  credulity  in  which  he  in  no  way  participated 
himself,  he  had  too  nmch  discrimination  not  to  perceive,  Ihat  to  have  perse- 
Tured  in  Uie  capital  punishment  would  have  been  to  hav  rendered  tim^elf 
personally  obnoxious  to  the  comrades  of  the  condemned,  whose  dispiritec  au 
and  sullen  mien,  he  clearly  saw,  denounced  tho  punishment  as  one  of  unneccs- 
■ary  rigor.  The  haughty  commander  was  not  a  man  to  bo  intimidated  by 
manifestations  of  discontent ;  neither  was  he  one  to  brook  a  spirit  of  insubor- 
dination, however  forcibly  supported ;  but  he  had  too  much  experience  and 
military  judgment,  not  to  determine  that  this  was  not  a  moment,  by  foiegoing 
ua  act  of  compulsory  clemency,  to  instil  divisions  in  the  garrison,  when  tho 
safety  of  all  so  much  depended  on  the  cheerfulness  and  unanimity  with  wliich 
tiiey  lent  theraselve;:;  to  tho  arduous  duties  of  defence. 

However  originating  in  policy,  the  lenity  he  might  have  been  induced  to 
have  shown,  all  idea  of  the  kind  was  chased  from  his  mind  by  the  unfortunate 
action  of  the  prisoner.  At  the  moment  when  the  distant  heights  resounded 
with  tho  fierce  yells  of  the  savages,  and  leaping  forais  came  bounding  down 
the  slope,  the  remarkable  warvior  of  the  Fleur  (le  Lis — the  fearful  enemy  who 
had  whispered  the  most  denumiac  vengeance  in  his  cars  the  preceding  night, — 
was  the  only  one  that  met  and  riveted  the  gaze  of  the  governor.  lie  paused 
not  to  observe  or  to  think  who  the  flying  man  could  be  of  whom  the  mysto- 
rious  warrior  was  in  pujrsuit, — neither  did  it.  indeed,  occur  to  him  that  it  ww 


I 


r  the  supposed 
)loiK'l  do  Hal- 
4,  hut  iUilod  iu 
:y  rooof?niti(ni. 
I)ly  horno  out, 
!  much  weight 
all  its  fuurful 

without  a  liopo 
c  verfio  of  tlic 
coiniiiunit'uto 
'ty  of  the  pir- 
lal  entiiny  was 
njrton,  in  the 
iiisu  a  full  par- 
rould  load  to  a 
n  that  had  in 
or,  which  was 
his  innocence, 
in;cthcT  conclu- 
,  chance  of  ob- 
)ect  of  the  un- 
live OD  him  ti) 

strong  excite- 

g  the  exclama- 

Dvernor  might 

ly  participated 

to  have  pcrse- 

dere<l  tim^elf 

c  dispiritei  »u 

ine  of  unneccS" 

ntiniidated  by 

rit  of  insuhor- 

xperience  and 

,,  by  foregoing 

ion,  when  the 

ty  with  which 

2n  induced  to 
»e  unfortunate 
its  resounded 
unding  down 
ul  enemy  who 
ding  night, — 
.  He  paused 
■tn  the  mysto- 
ra  tliat  it  waa 


WACUUSTA,  OR,  TUJi  I'llOi'llIicy. 


211 


%  pursuit  at  all.  Hut  otie  Idea  sr.ggested  itself  to  his  mind,  and  that  was  an 
attempt  at  resoiio  of  llui  i'oiii'.ojMTU'd  on  t!i"  part  of  his  accomplice;  and  when 
at  length  Halloway,  who  had  at  (Mice,  as  if  by  instinct,  recognised  his  captain 
in  the  fugitive,  shi.uted  foith  l:is  gratitude  to  heaven  tliat  "he  at  I(n.rtli  a|>- 
proached  who  alont  had  ^•  c  power  to  save  him,"  every  shadow  of  lui  ivy  was 
banished  from  the  mind  of  lie  governor,  who,  laboring  under  a  natural  mis- 
conception of  the  causes  of  hi,":  e.NuItiiig  shout,  felt  tliat  justice  iMipcralivcIv 
demande<l  her  victim,  and  no  longer  hesitated  in  awaniiug  the  di»i.ni  that 
became  the  supposed  traitor.  It  was  under  this  hnpression  that  he  sternly 
gave  and  repeated  the  order  to  lire;  and  by  this  misjuil^ied  aii<l  severe,  al- 
though not  absolutely  cruel  act,  not  imly  destroyed  one  of  tlie  iiolile.st  bein^'S 
that  ever  wore  a  soldier's  iinilbrm,  but  entailed  upon  himself  and  familv  that 
terrific  cunsoof  his  maniac  wife,  which  rang  like  a  propheti<;  warning'  in  the 
ears  of  all,  and  was  often  heard  in  the  litful  starlings  of  his  own  ever-afitr 
trout)led  slumbers. 

What  his  feeling.s  were,  wlien  subscfjuently  he  discovered,  in  the  wretcJKMl 
fligitive,  the  son  whom  he  already  believed  to  have  b(!en  niunl)ered  with  the 
dead  and  hei'.rd  from  his  lips  a  conlirination  of  all  that  had  been  advaiiceij  by 
the  unhappy  Halloway,  we  shall  leave  it  to  our  readers  to  inia-riiie.  Still, 
even  amid  his  lirst  regret,  the  rigid  disciplinarian  was  sitoug  within  luui  ;  and 
no  sooner  ha<i  th'>  dettichment  regained  the  fort,  after  piifoiniiiig  the  last 
olfices  of  interment  over  then*  ill-fated  comrade,  than  C.iptam  de  llaldiin:ir 
received  an  intimation,  through  the  adjutant,  to  consider  liiniself  under  close 
arrest  for  disobe(tience  of  orders.  Finally,  however,  he  succeeded  in  procur 
ing  an  interview  with  his  father;  in  the  course  of  which.  dis(;losiug  the  pl(jt 
of  the  Indians,  and  the  short  period  allotted  for  its  being  carried  into  execu- 
tion, he  painted  in  the  most  gloomy  colors  the  alarmingdangers  which  threa'euod 
them  all,  and  (inished  by  in-gently  imploring  his  father  to  sull'er  hint  to  make 
the  attempt  to  reach  their  unsusj)ecting  friends  at  Michillimackinac.  Fully 
impres.sed  with  the  didiculties  attendant  on  a  scheme  that  otlered  so  lew  feasi- 
ble chances  of  success,  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  for  a  period  (h-nied  his  concur- 
rence ;  but  when  at  length  the  excited  young  man  dwelt  on  the  hoir<>rs  that 
would  inevitably  await  his  sister  and  betrothed  cousin,  were  th'v  to  Till  into 
the  hands  of  the  savages,  these  considerations  were  found  to  beeHective.  An 
after  arrangement  included  Sir  Everard  V'alletort,  who  ha<l  expressed  a  strong 
de»<ire  to  share  hi.«  danger  ir.  the  enterprise  ;  and  the  .services  of  the  ('analiiiii. 
who  had  been  brought  back  a  prison^T  to  the  fort, and  on  w hom  proniis;s an'! 
threats  were  bestowed  in  an  equally  lavish  manner,  were  rendered  aviula'nio. 
In  fkct,  without  the  assistance  of  Francois,  thore  was  little  chance  of  liieii 
effcctins  in  safety  the  navigat'on  of  the  waters  through  which  they  were  to 
pass  10  arrive  at  tlie  fort.  He  it  was,  who,  wImi  suuiiuoneu  to  atieial  a  con- 
ference among  the  olRcers,  bearing  on  the  means  to  be  adopted.  su;.:gested  iha 
propriety  of  their  disguising  Lhemselves  as  Canadian  duck  hunters  ;  in  which 
char-icter  they  might  expect  to  pass  unmolested,  even  if  encountered  by  any 
outlying  parties  of  the  savaj-'s.  With  the  doubts  tliat  lia.l  previously  been 
entertained  of  the  fidelity  of  Franfois,  there  was  an  air  of  fijrlorn  hojie  given 
to  the  entcrpri.se;  still,  as  tlic  niiin  expressed  sincere  eariies(.ness  of  desire  to 
repay  the  clf.mency  accorded  him,  by  a  faitlifiil  exercise  of  his  services,  and 
as  the  object  soujgliji  was  one  that  justified  the  risk,  there  was,  notwithstund- 


;  Ihl 


\m 


m 

i 


212 


WACOUSTA.  OB,  TOE)  VAOtBiRCX. 


,;••' 


tog,  a  latent  hone  cnerished  by  all  parties,  that  the  event  would  prove  succeas- 
ful.     We  have  alreu<ly  sueii  to  what  uxtCLt  their  anticipations  were  realized. 

WlK^thcr  it  was  that  he  secretly  acknowledged  the  too  excessive  sternness 
of  his  justice  in  regard  to  Ilalloway  Twlio  still,  in  the  true  acceptation  of  facts, 
had  been  ;:;uilty  of  a  crime  that  entailed  the  pe.-ialty  he  Iu»d  paid,)  or  that  the 
appiehension  that  arose  to  his  heart  in  regard  to  her  on  whom  he  yearned 
with  all  a  (iithcr's  C)ndnoss  governed  his  conduct,  certain  it  is,  that,  from  the 
hour  of  the  disclosuic  made  by  his  son  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  became  an  alter- 
ed man.  Without  losing  any  thing  of  that  dignity  cf  manner,  which  had 
hitherto  been  coiirounded  with  the  most  repellant  haughtiness  of  l)earing,  his 
demeanor  towards  his  officers  became  more  com  teous  ;  and  although,  as  here- 
tofore, he  kept  himself  entirely  aloof,  except  when  occasions  of  duty  brought 
them  together,  still,  when  they  did  meet,  there  was  more  of  conciliation  in  hia 
manner,  and  less  of  austerity  in  his  speech.  There  was,  moreover  a  dejection 
in  his  eye,  strong!}'^  in  contrast  with  his  former  imperious  glance ;  and  more 
than  one  officer  remarked,  that,  if  his  days  were  devoted  to  the  customary 
practicid  arrangements  for  defence,  his  pallid  countenance  betokened  that  his 
nights  were  nights  rather  of  vigil  than  repose. 

However  riatural  and  deep  the  alarm  entertained  for  the  fate  of  the  sister 
fort,  there  could  be  no  apprehension  on  the  mind  of  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  in 
regard  to  his  own  ;  since,  furnished  with  the  means  of  foiling  his  enemies 
with  their  own  weapons  of  cunning  and  deceit,  a  few  extraordinary  precau- 
tions alone  were  necessary  to  secure  all  immunity  from  danger.  Whatever 
might  be  the  stern  peculiarities  cf  his  character, — and  these*  had  originated 
chiefly  in  an  education  piu'cly  military,- -Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  was  an  officer 
well  calculated  to  the  important  trust  reposed  in  him ;  for,  combining  experi- 
ence with  judgment  in  all  matters  relating  to  the  diplomacy  of  war,  and  being 
fully  conversant  with  the  character  and  habits  of  the  enemy  opposed  to  hiuj. 
he  pos.sessed  singular  aptitude  to  seize  whatever  advantages  might  present 
themselves. 

The  prudence  and  caution  of  his  policy  have  already  been  made  manilest  in 
the  two  several  council  scenes  with  the  chiefs  recorded  in  our  previous  pages. 
It  may  a))pear  singular,  that,  with  the  opportunity  thus  afforded  him  cf  re- 
taining the  formidable  Ponteac, — the  strength  and  sinew  of  that  long  pro- 
tracted and  ferocious  war. — in  his  power,  he  should  have  waived  his  advantage  ; 
but  here  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  gave  evidence  of  the  tact  which  so  eminently 
distinguislied  his  public  conduct  throughout.  lie  well  knew  the  noble,  fear- 
less character  oF  the  cliief ;  and  ['.'It,  if  any  hold  was  to  be  secured  over  him, 
it  was  by  grappling  with  his  generosity,  and  not  by  the  exercise  of  intijuida- 
tion.  Even  admitting  that  Ponteac  continued  his  prisoner,  and  that  the  troops 
pouring  their  destructive  fire  upon  the  mass  of  enemies  so  suddenly  arrested 
on  the  drawbi-idue,  had  swept  away  the  whole,  still  they  were  but  as  a  mito 
among  the  numi'ious  nations  that  were  leagued  against  the  English ;  and  to 
these  nations,  it  was  e\ident,  they  must,  .sooner  or  later,  succumb. 

Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  knew  enough  of  the  proud  but  generous  nature  of  tho 
Ottawa,  to  deem  that  the  policy  he  proposed  to  purstio  in  the  last  councn 
scene  would  not  piuve  altogethei'  without  effect  on  that  warrior.  It  was  well 
known  to  him.  iimrh  pains  had  been  taken  to  instil  into  the  minds  of  the  In- 
diaus  the  belief  that  the  English  vvere  resolved  ou  tUcir  fiuai  e:(tirpation  :  ^qd 


'•r^ 


prove  succeas- 
svere  realized, 
ssive  sternness 
)tation  of  facts, 

d,)  or  tliat  the 
)m  he  yearned 

that,  from  the 
)ecanie  an  alter- 
ner,  which  had 

of  l)earinp:,  liis 
thoujih,  as  hore- 
>f  duty  broujiht 
)nciHation  in  hia 
over  a  dejectiou 
ince;  and  more 

the  customary 
okencd  that  his 

ite  of  the  sister 
de  Ilaldimar  in 
;  his  enemies 
ordinary  precan- 
cer.    Whatever 
had  originated 
ir  was  aa  officer 
►mbining  expei'i- 
f  war,  and  being 
opposed  to  him. 
s  might  present 

made  manilest  in 
•  previous  pages, 
brded  him  cf  rc- 
f  that  long  pro- 
?d  his  advantage ; 
eh  so  eminently 
'  the  noble,  fear- 
jcured  over  him, 
rcise  of  intijnida- 
id  that  the  troops 
luddenly  arrested 
ere  but  as  a  mito 
English;  and  to 
cumb. 
•ous  nature  of  the 

the  last  council 
ior.  It  was  well 
minds  of  the  In- 

extirpation ;  vvd 


v:Arnri?Ty\.  m,  the  rROPDECY. 


211 


M  PCI  (am  .il.  ::;hts,  ofTorod  to  thotn  nt  various  periods,  hnd  giTon  a  colorintr  of 
truth  to  thi,>.  assertion,  the  ibrrnidable  Ieaj:ue  which  had  already  accomplished 
the  downfaW  of  so  many  of  the  forts  had  been  the  coiisociiicnce  of  these  artful 
representations.  Although  well  aware  that  the  French  had  iiumeioiis emissa- 
ries distributed  among  the  fierce  tribes,  it  was  not  until  after  the  disclo^inc  made 
jy  Mie  haughty  Ponteac.  at  the  close  of  the  lirst  council  scene,  thai  :,e  heram-j 
ippHsed  of  the  alarming  iniluence  exercised  over  the  mind  of  tlmt  warrirr 
himself  by  his  own  terrible  and  vindictive  enemy.  The  necessity  of  coi.nter- 
actiuir  thr.t  influence  was  obvious ;  and  he  felt  this  was  only  to  be  done  (if  at 
ail »  iiy  some  marked  and  extraordinary  evidence  of  the  peaceful  disposition 
of  tl  ■;  English.  Hence  his  determination  to  sullcr  the  faithless  chiefs  ami 
iheir  followers  to  depart  unharmed  from  the  fort,  even  at  the  moment  when 
the  attitude  a.s.sumed  by  the  j)iepai'ed  garrison  fully  proved  to  the  assailants 
their  designs  had  been  penetrated  and  their  schemes  rendeied  abortive. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

With  the  general  position  of  the  encampment  of  the  investing  Indians,  the 
reader  has  been  made  acquainted  through  the  narrative  of  Capt.ain  de  Ilaldi- 
mar. It  was.  as  has  been  s'nowu.  situate  in  a  sort  of  oasis  close  within  the 
verge  of  the  forest,  and  (girt  by  an  intervening  undei-wood  which  nature,  in 
her  caprice,  had  fashioned  after  the  manner  of  a  defensive  barrier)  embraced  a 
space  sufficient  to  contain  the  tents  of  the  fighting  men,  together  with  their 
women  and  children.  This,  however,  included  the  warriors  and  inferior  cliiefs. 
The  tents  of  the  leaders  were  v»'ithout  the  belt  of  underwood,  and  principally 
distributed  at  long  interv.als  on  that  side  of  the  forest  which  skirted  tlie  open 
country  towards  the  river ;  forminir  as  it  were,  a  chain  of  external  defence,  and 
Rwer-ping  in  a  semicircular  direction  round  the  more  dense  encam])ment  of 
their  followers.  At  its  highest  elevation  the  forest  shot  out  suddenly  into  a 
point,  naturally  enough  rendered  an  object  of  attraction  from  whatever  part  it 
wait  commanfled. 

Daikiie.ss  was  already  beginning  to  spi-ead  her  mantle  over  the  interveniuij 
sjmce.  and  tlie  night-fires  of  the  Indians  were  Kindling  into  brightness,  glim- 
mering occasionally  through  the  wood  with  that  pale  and  landtent  light  pecu- 
liar to  the  fire-fly.  of  which  they  oiVered  a  not  inapt  rei)resentation,  when  sud- 
denly a  lofty  tent,  the  brilliant  whiteness  of  which  was  thrown  into  strong  re- 
lief bv  the  dark  field  on  which  it  reposed,  was  seen  to  rise  at  a  few  paces  from 
the  lOjrupt  i)oiiit  in  the  forest  Just  described,  and  on  the  extreme  summit  of  a 
ndge  Uyond  which  lay  only  the  western  horizon  in  golden  per.^pectivc. 

The  opening  of  thi^.  tentlooked  eastward  and  towards  the  fort ;  and  on  its 
extreme  summit  floated  a  dark  flag,  which  at  intervals  spread  it.self  before  the 
sli-ih.t  evening  breeze,  but  oftener  hung  drooping  and  heavily  over  the  glitter- 
ing canvass.  One  solitary  pine,  who.se  trunk  exceeded  not  the  ordinary  thiik- 
ness  of  a  man's  waist,  and  standing  out  as  a  lanibnark  on  the;  ridge,  rose  at 
Ifie  distance  of  a  few  feet  from  tlie  spot  on  which  the  tent  had  been  erected  ; 
ftr4  to  this  was  bound  the  tall  and  al«gant  figure  of  one  dressed  in  the  coarsp 


^14 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


%.M'h  «f  a  sailor.  The  arms  and  lops  of  lJic  inilivi^lnal  wore  porrcctl y  fVcp ;  TiiU 
a  strong  rope,  rendered  doubl\'  secure  after  th(  manner  of  what  is  termed 
"whipping"  amon;^  seamen,  after  havinjj^  been  ■ij.'litly  drawn  se^eral  times 
around  his  waist,  and  then  firmly  Unotied  beliind  was  again  passed  round  the 
tree,  to  which  the  bark  of  tl>e  prisoner  was  closi  !y  lashed  ;  thus  enabling,  or 
rather  coinpi'lliiig^  him  to  Ik'  a  spoclator  of  every  object  within  the  tent. 

Layers  of  l)ark,  over  wliicli  were  spread  tlie  (iressed  skins  of  the  b>ear  and 
the  butlalo,  formed  the  lloor  and  carpet  of  the  latier;  and  on  tliese,  in  variiM.?) 
Oftrts.  and  in  characteristic  attitudes,  reposed  tlie  fi  nns  of  three  human  bein.<r«{ 
one,  tlie  formidable  virrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis.  Attired  in  the  garb  it  which 
we  tirst  intrO(hiced  i  m  to  our  readers,  and  with  tlie  same  weapons  rei)osing 
at  his  side,  the  haugaty  savage  lay  at  his  lazy  length ;  liis  feet  reaching  be- 
yond the  opening  of  the  tent,  and  his  head  reposing  on  a  rude  pillow  formed 
.^f  a  closuly  compressed  pack  of  skins  of  wild  animals,  over  which  was  spread 
a  8"  rt  of  mantle  or  blanket.  One  hand  was  introduced  between  the  pillow  and 
his  liead,  the  other  grasped  the  pipe  tomahawk  he  was  smoking;  and  while 
tiio  mechanical  play  of  his  right  foot  indicated  pfe-occupat;on  of  thought,  his 
mjick  and  meaning  eye  glanced  frecjuentiy  and  aiternately  upon  the  furthest 
of  his  companions,  the  prisoner  without,  and  the  distant  fort. 

Within  a  few  feet  of  the  warrior  lay,  extended  on  a  bulfalo  skin,  the  delicato 
tifXure  of  a  female,  whoso  hair,  complexion,  and  liands,  denoted  lier  European 
I'i. traction.  Ikr  dress  was  entirely  Intlian.  however ;  consisting  of  a  machecoti 
with  leggings,  moccassins,  and  shirt  of  printed  cotton  studded  with  silvoi 
l.'oaclK-s, — all  of  which  were  of  a  quality  and  texture  to  mark  the  wearer  tf 
I  le  wife  of  a  chief;  and  her  liiir  liair,  done  up  in  a  club  behind,  reposed  on  & 
r  eck  of  dazzling  wliitencss.  Her  eyes  were  lai-ge,  blue,  but  wild  and  iinmean- 
I  ig;  her  countenance  vacant:  and  her  movements  altogether  mechanical.  A 
v.'ooden  bowl  filled  with  hominy  was  at  her  side  ;  and  from  this  she  way  now 
M  the  act  of  feeding  herself  with  a  spoon  of  the  same  material,  but  with  a 
icgligeuiie  and  slovenliness  that  betrayed  her  almost  utter  unconsciousness 
j(  the  action. 

At  the  further  side  of  the  tent  there  was  another  woman,  even  more  delicati 
n  api)e!irance  than  the  one  last  mentioned.  She.  too,  was  blue  eyed,  and  of 
surpassing  fairness  of  skin.  Her  attitude  denoted  a  mind  too  powerfully  ab- 
•;o''bed  in  grief  to  be  heedful  of  api)carances ;  for  she  sat  with  her  knees  drawn 
ip  to  her  chin,  and  rocking  her  body  to  and  fro  with  an  undulating  motion 
iliat  seemed  to  have  its  origin  in  no  effort  of  volition  of  her  own.  Iler  long 
MU'  hair  hung  negligently  over  her  shoulders;  and  a  blanket  drawn  over  tli  . 
t!tp  of  her  head  like  a  veil,  and  extending  partly  over  the  person,  disclosed  heit- 
liid  there  [lortions  of  an  apparel  which  was  strictly  European,  although  rent, 
and  exhibiting  in  various  places  stains  of  blood.  A  bowl  similar  to  that  of  lu'i 
ompanion,  and  filled  with  the  same  food,  was  at  her  side  ;  but  this  was  un- 
lasted. 

''  Why  does  the  girl  refuse  to  eat  ?"  asked  the  warrior  of  her  next  him,  as 
he  fiercely  rolled  a  volume  of  smoke  from  his  lips.  "  Make  her  eat,  for  1 
would  speak  to  her  afterwards." 

"'  Why  does  the  girl  refuse  to  eat?"  responded  the  woman  in  the  same  tone, 
dropping  her  spoon  as  she  spoke,  and  turning  to  the  object  of  remark  with  a 
vacant  iook.  "  It  is  good,"  she  pursued,  as  she  rudely  shook  the  arm  of  th« 
heedless  sutferer.    "  Come,  girl,  eat."  _  .  .  * 


:tly  fVco ;  h\\\ 
at  is  teiiued 
itMcral  times 
2(1  round  the 

enabling,  or 
e  tent, 
the  hoar  and 
!e,  in  varitMi!* 
nnan  bein.<r8.' 
iirb  it  which 
on.s  reposing 
reaching  be- 
illovv  Ibnned 

was  sjjread 

le  pillow  and 

;•;  and  while 

thought,  his 

the  furthest 

)  the  delicate 
er  European 
a  niachecoti 
with  silvor 
le  wearer  t? 
I'cposed  on  & 
[nd  unniean- 
'hanical.     A 
)he  way  now 
but  wi-th  8 
ansciousness 

lore  delicati 
iyedj  and  uf 
verfully  ab- 
:nees  drawn 
ting  motion 
Her  long 
vn  over  th  . 
■iclosed  huff 
lioiigh  rent, 
that  of  liei 
lis  was  un- 

ixt  him,  as 
'  eat,  for  J 

same  tone, 
ark  with  a 
irm  of  tho 


WACOrSTl,  OR,  THE  PROPnECY. 


£15 


A  suriek  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  unhajipy  prl.  as.  apparently  roused  from 
lier  abstraction,  she  suticred  the  bhmket  to  fall  from  her  head,  and  staring 
wildly  at  her  questioner,  faintly  demanded.--"  Wiiu.  in  the  name  of  mcrcv. 
are  you,  who  address  me  in  this  horrid  place  in  mv  own  tongue?  Speak; 
who  are  you?  Surely  1  should  know  that  voice  for  that  of  Eilen,  the  wife  of 
Frank  Ilalloway  !» 

A  maniiic  laugh  was  uttered  by  the  wretched  woman.  This  continued  of- 
fensively for  a  moment ;  and  she  obscived.  in  an  infuriated  tone  and  with  a 
searching  eye, — "  No.  I  am  not  the  wife  of  Ilalloway.  It  is  false.  1  am  tho 
wife  of  Wacousta.  This  is  my  husband  !"  and  as  she  spoke  .lie  sju-ang  nim- 
bly to  hir  feet,  and  was  in  the  next  instant  lying  prostrate  on  the  form  of  tho 
warrior;  her  arms  thrown  wildly  around  him,  and  her  lips  impjinting  kisaea 
an  his  cheek 

But  Wacousta  was  in  no  mood  to  suffer  her  endearments.  He  for  the  first 
time  seeraod  alive  to  the  presence  of  her  wb.o  lay  beyond,  a  iid  to  whose  whola 
appearance  a  character  of  animation  had  been  iinpai'n  1  by  the  temporary  ex- 
fitemon*  of  her  feelings.  He  gazed  at  her  a  momenl.  with  the  air  of  on'-  en« 
deavormg  to  recall  the  memory  ot  clays  long  gone  by ;  and  as  lie  continudd  t<i 
do  .so,  his  eye  dilated,  his  chest  heaved,  and  his  ''ounteiiance  alternately  fli.shed 
and  paled.  At  length  he  threw  the  form  that  reposed  u|hhi  his  own,  violently, 
and  even  savagely,  from  him ;  sprang  eagerly  to  his  feet ;  and  clearing  tfie 
space  that  divided  him  from  the  object  of  his  attention  at  a  single  step,  bore 
her  from  the  earth  in  his  arms  with  jis  much  ease  as  if  she  had  been  an  infant. 
and  then  returning  to  his  own  rude  couch,  placed  his  horror-stricken  victim  at 
his  side. 

"Nay,  nay."  he  urged  .^larcastically,  as  she  vainly  struggled  to  free  herself; 
"  let  the  Dc  Haldimar  j)ortion  of  your  blood  rise  up  in  anger  if  it  will ;  but 
that  of  Clara  lieverley,  at  least " 

"  Gracious  Providence  !  where  am  T,  that  T  hoar  the  name  of  my  sainted 
mother  thus  familiarly  pronounced?"  interrupted  the  starlicd  girl ;  '"and  who 
are  you. — ,"  turning  ber  eyes  wildly  on  the  swarthy  countenance  of  the  war- 
rior.—" who  are  you,  I  ask,  who,  with  the  mien  and  in  tlie  garb  of  a  savage 
of  these  forests,  a[)pear  tlius  acquainted  with  her  name  ?" 

The  warrior  passed  his  band  across  his  biow  lor  a  moment,  r.s  if  some 
painful  and  intolei-able  reflection  had  been  called  up  by  the  question  ;  but 
he  speedily  recovei-ed  his  self-possession,  and  with  an  expression  of  feature 
that  almost  potritied  his  auditor,  vehemently  ob.served. — 

"  You  ask  who  I  am  I  One  who  knew  your  mother  lor/g  before  the  ac- 
''urs;;d  name  of  Do  Haldimar  bad  ever  been  whispei'ed  in  her  ear;  and  whom 
love  for  the  o,  e  and  hatred  for  the  other  has  rendered  tho  ':ii\iif;i;  you  now 
behold  !  But,"  he  continued,  while  a  tierce  and  hideous  smile  lighted  up 
every  feature,  "I  overlook  my  psii^t  sutferings  in  my  prestut  happiness.  The 
image  of  Clf  ra  Beverley,  even  such  as  my  soul  loved  her  m  its  youth,  is  once 
more  V .  "■>»'e  me  in  her  child  ;  that  child  shall  be  my  wife  !" 

"  Your  wifi!  monster;  never  !"  shrieked  the  unhappy  givl,  va'Tily  attempt- 
ing to  disengage  herself  from  the  encircling  arm  of  the  parage.  "  J'.ut,"  she 
pursued,  in  a  tone  of  supplication,  while  the  tears  coursed  each  other  down 
her  cheek,  "  if  you  ever  loved  my  mother,  as  you  say  you  have,  restore  her 
children  to  thfcir  homej  and  if  saints  m&y  be  permitted  to  look  down  from 


!    ! 


111!!  ! 


216 


WACOWiTA,  OR,  TUB  PROPHICOT. 


i| 


heaven  fn  approval  of  the  acts  of  men,  she  whom  you  have  loved  will  blesa 
you  for  the  deed." 

A  deep  groan  burst  from  the  vast  chest  of  "Wacousta  ;  but,  for  a  moment, 
he  answered  not.  At  lenjith  he  observed,  pointing  at  the  same  time  with  his 
linger  towards  the  cloiullcss  vault  above  their  heads, — "  Do  you  behold  yon 
blue  sky,  Clara  de  Ilaldinuir  7" 

"  I  ilo ; — what  mean  you  ?"  demanded  tlie  trembling  girl,  in  whom  a  mo- 
mentary hope  had  been  excited  bv  the  subdued  manner  of  the  savage. 

"Nothing,"  he  coolly  rejoined;  "only  that  were  your  poor  riother  to 
appear  there  at  this  moment,  clad  in  all  the  atti'ioutes  ascribed  to  angels,  her 
prayer  would  not  alter  the  destiny  that  awaits  you.  Nay,  nay ;  look  not 
thus  sorrowfully,"  he  pursued,  as  in  despite  of  her  clfbrts  to  prevent  him,  ho 
imprinted  a  burning  kiss  nj)on  her  lips.  "  Even  thus  was  I  once  wont  to  lin- 
ger on  the  lips  of  your  mother  ;  but  hers  ever  pouted  to  be  pressed  by  mine ; 
lad  not  with  tears,  but  with  sunniest  smiles  did  she  court  them."  He  paused  ; 
i>ent  his  head  over  the  face  of  the  shuddering  girl ;  and  gazing  fixedly  for  a 
few  minutes  on  her  countenance,  while  he  pressed  her  struggling  form  more 
closely  to  his  own.  exultingly  pursued,  as  if  to  himself. — "Even  as  her  mother 
T^'as,  so  Ib  she.  Ye  powers  of  hell !  who  would  have  ever  thought  a  timo 
would  come  when  both  my  vengeance  and  my  love  would  be  gratified  to 
the  utmost?  How  strange  it  nwer  should  have  occurred  to  me  he  had  • 
dftughtcr !" 

"What  mean  you.  fierce,  unpitying  man  ?"  exclaimed  the  terrified  Clara, 
to  whom  a  full  sense  of  the  honor  of  her  position  had  lent  unusual  energy 
*t  character  '  Surely  you  will  not  detain  a  poor  defenceless  woman  in  youi 
liands. — the  child  of  her  you  say  you  have  loved.  But  it  is  false  ! — you  nevci 
knew  her,  or  you  would  not  reject  my  player." 

'•  Never  knew  her !"  llercely  repeated  Wacousta.  Again  he  paused. 
'  Would  I  had  never  known  her !  and  I  should  not  now  be  the  outcast  wretch 
I  am." — he  added,  slowly  and  impressively.  Then  once  more  elevating  his 
voice. — "  Clara  de  Haldimai-.  I  have  loved  your  mother  as  man  never  loved 
woman  ;  and  I  have  hated  your  father  (grinding  his  teeth  with  fury  as  he 
upoke)  as  man  never  hated  man.  That  love,  that  hatred  are  unquenched 
— unquenchable.  Before  mo  1  see  at  once  the  im  ige  of  her  who,  even  in 
death,  has  lived  enshrined  in  my  heart,  and  the  child  of  him  who  is  my  bit- 
terest foe.     Clara  de  Haldiiiiar.  do  you  understand  me  now?" 

"  Almighty  Providence  !  is  there  not  one  to  save  me  ? — can  nothing  touch 
your  stubborn  heart  ?"  exclaimed  the  affrighted  girl ;  and  she  turned  her 
swimming  eyes  on  those  of  the  warrior,  in  appeal ;  but  his  glance  caused  her 
own  to  sink  in  confusion.  "  Ellen  Hallowa}^,"  she  pursued,  after  a  moment's 
pause,  and  in  the  wild  accents  of  despair,  "  if  you  ai'e  indeed  the  wife  cf  this 
man,  as  you  say  you  are,  oh  !  plead  for  me  with  him  ;  and  in  the  name  of 
that  kindness  which  I  once  extended  to  yourself,  prevail  on  him  to  restore  me 
to  my  father  1" 

"  Ellen  Halloway  ! — who  mi\]s  Ellen  Halloway  ?"  said  the  wretched  woman, 
who  had  again  resumed  her  slovenl}'  meal  on  the  rude  couch,  appaiently 
without  consciousness  of  the  scene  enacting  at  her  side.  "  I  am  not  Ellen 
Halloway:  they  said  so;  but  it  is  not  true.  My  husband  was  Reginald 
jMorton :  but  he  went  for  a  soldier,  and  was  killed  j  and  I  never  saw  him 


more. 


» 


loved  win  blesa 

t,  for  a  moment, 
le  time  with  hia 
you  behold  yon 

in  whom  a  mo- 
3  savage, 
loor  nother  to 
d  to  angels,  her 
nay ;  look  not 
prevent  him,  ho 
ice  wont  to  lin- 
essed  by  mine ; 
n."  He  paused ; 
ig  fixedly  for  a 
;Iing  form  more 
a  as  her  mother 
hought  a  time 
be  gratified  to 
0  me  he  bad  • 

terrified  Clara, 
musual  energy 
ivoman  in  youi 
e  ! — you  nevci 

in   he  paused, 
outcast  wretch 
3  elevating  his 
n  never  loved 
ith  furj-^  as  he 
•e  unquenched 
who,  even  in 
vho  is  my  bit- 
nothing  touch 
he  turned  her 
ice  caused  her 
T  a  moment's 
le  wife  cf  this 
the  name  of 
to  restore  me 

itched  woman, 
h,  apparently 
am  not  Ellen 
was  Reginald 
3ver  saw  him 


WAOOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


2i: 


•^  Rt'ginald  Morton !  WTiat  mean  you,  woman "?  What  know  you  of 
Reginald  Morton  f"^  dcmnnded  Wacousta,  with  frightful  energy,  as.  leaning 
over  the  shrinking  form  of  Clara,  he  violently  grasped  and  shook  the  shoulder 
of  the  unhappy  maniac. 

••  Slop  ,  do  not  hurt  me,  and  T  will  toll  you  all.  sir."  she  almost  screamed. 
'•  <.)h.  sir,  Ileginald  Morton  was  my  Imsband  once  ;  but  he  was  kinder  than 
you  nro.     He  did  not  look  so  licrccly  at  me  ;  nor  did  he  pinch  me  so." 

'•  What  of  him? — wlio  wus  lie  ?"  furiously  repeated  "Wacousta,  as  he  again 
iinp:itiontly  shook  the  arm  of  the  wretched  Ellen.  "Where  did  you  know 
Whence  came  he  ?" 


li:in 


•'  Xay,  you  must  not  be  jealous  of  poor  Reginald :"  and,  as  she  uttered 
these  words  in  a  softening  and  conciliating  tone,  lior  eye  was  turned  upon 
t rinse  of  the  warrior  with  a  minj:lcd  expression  of  fear  and  cunnuig.  '•  Hut 
he  was  very  good  and  ver^-  handsome,  and  generous ;  and  we  lived  near 
each  other,  and  we  loved  each  other  at  first  sight.  But  his  family  were 
very  proud,  and  they  quarrelled  with  him  because  he  married  me ;  and  then 

we  became  very  poor,  and  Reginald  went  for  a  soldier,  and ;  but  I  forget 

the  rest,  it  is  so  long  ago."  Slie  pressed  her  hand  to  lier  brow,  and  sank  her 
head  upon  her  chest. 

"  Ellen,  woman,  again  I  ask  you  where  he  came  from  ?  this  Reginald  Mor 
ton  that  you  have  named.     To  what  country  did  he  belong  ?" 

''  Oh,  we  were  both  Cornish."  she  answered,  with  a  vivaclt}'  singularly  in 
contrast  with  her  recent  low  and  monotonous  tone  ;  "  but,  as  1  said  before,  he 
was  of  a  great  family,  and  I  only  a  poor  cltrgA'uian's  daughter." 

"Cornish  ! Cornish,  did  you  say?"  fiercely  repeated  the  dark  Wacousta, 

while  an  expression  of  loathing  and  disgust  seemed  for  a  moment  to  convulse 
his  features  ;  *'  then  is  it  as  I  had  feared.  One  word  more.  Was  the  family 
geat  called  Morton  Castle?" 

"  It  was,"  unhesitatingly  returned  the  poor  woman,  yet  with  the  air  of  one 
wondei'ing  to  hear  a  name  repeated,  long  forgotten  even  by  herself.  "  It  was 
a  beautiful  castle  too.  on  a  lovely  ridge  of  hills ;  and  it  conimaiuled  such  a 

nice  view  of  the  sea,  close"  to  the  'ittle  port  of ;  and  the  parsonage  stood 

m  NU'jh  a  swtH^t  valley.  eh>se  imdf  t"  (he  castle  :  and  wo  weio  all  so  happy."    Sh« 
patisea,  again^put  ner  hand  to  her  hrc  w.  and  pressed  it  wul;  force,  as  if  en 
ileavoring  to  pursue  the  chain  of  connection  in  her  nieuioiy,  but  evidently 
without  success. 

"And  \our  father's  name  was  Clayton  ?"  said  the  warrior  enquiringly, 
''  Henry  Clayton,  if  1  recollect  aright?'"' 

'•  Ha!  who  names  my  father  ?"  shiieked  the  wretched  woman.  "Yes,  sir. 
it  was  Clayton — Henry  Clayton — the  kindest,  the  noblest  of  human  beings. 
But  the  alliiction  of  his  child,  and  the  persecutions  of  the  Morton  family, 
broke  his  heart.  He  is  dead,  sir,  and  Reginald  is  dead  too ;  and  I  am  a  poor 
lone  widow  in  the  world,  and  have  no  one  to  love  me."  Here  the  tears  cours- 
ed ea(^h  other  rapidly  down  her  faded  cheeks,  although  her  eyes  were  staring 
and  motionless. 

"  It  is  false  !"  vociferated  the  warrior,  who,  now  he  had  gained  all  that  waa 
essential  to  the  elucidation  of  his  doubts,  quitted  the  shoulder  he  had  con- 
tinued to  press  with  violence  in  his  nervous  hand,  and  once  more  extended 
hunself  at  his  length  ;  "  in  me  you  behold  the  uncle  of  your  husband.  Yes, 
JDllen  Clayton,  you  have  been  the  wife  of  two  Kcginald  Mortons.    Both,"  he 


I  ;P! 


t  I 


21.8 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


pursuer!  with  unutteraV-e  bitterness^  while  he  again  started  up  and  shook  his 
tomahawk  menacingly  in  th'!  direction  of  the  fort, — "  both  have  been  the  vic- 
tims of  yon  cold-blooded  governor ;  but  the  hour  of  reckoning  is  at  hand. 
Ellen,"  he  fiercely  addofl,  '"do  you  recollect  the  curse  you  pronounced  on  the 
fjunily  of  that  haughty  man.  when  he  slaughtered  your  Reginald?  By 
lli'itven!  it  .shall  he  fullillcil ;  l)ut  first  .shall  liie  love  I  have  .so  long  borne  the 
mother  be  trausfi-rred  to  the  child." 

•  Again  lie  sought  to  encircle  the  waist  of  her  whom,  in  tlie  strong  excite- 
ment of  his  rage,  he  had  momentarily  (luitted;  hut  the  unutterable  di.<;gust 
and  horror  produced  in  the  mind  of  the  unhappy  Clara  lent  an  almost  snj)er- 
natui'ul  activity  to  her  despair.  She  dexterously  eluded  his  grasp,  gained  her 
feet,  and  with  tottering  steps  and  outstretched  arms  darted  through  the  tent, 
and  piteonsly  exclaiming,  "  Save  me !  oh,  for  God's  sake,  save  me !"  .sank  ex- 
hausted, and  apparent'/  lifeless,  on  the  chest  of  the  prisoner  without. 

To  such  of  c..f  readers  as,  deceived  by  the  romantic  nature  of  the  attacli- 
ment  'ii.rtied  to  have  been  originally  entoi-tained  by  Sir  Everard  Valletort  for 
me  unseen  sister  of  his  friend,  have  been  led  to  expect  a  tale  abounding  in 
manifestations  of  its  progress  when  the  parties  had  actually  met,  we  at  on(;e 
announce  disappointment.  Neither  the  lover  of  amorous  adventure,  nor  the 
admirer  of  witty  dialogue,  should  dive  into  these  passages.  Room  for  the  ex- 
erci.se  of  the  invention  might,  it  is  true,  be  found;  but  ours  is  a  tale  of  .sad  re- 
ality, and  our  heroes  and  heroines  figure  under  circumstances  that  would  ren- 
der v,-it  a  .satire  upon  the  understanding,  and  love  a  reflection  upon  the  heart. 
Within  the  bounds  of  probability  have  we.  therefore,  confined  our.selves. 

What  the  feelings  of  the  young  baronet  must  have  been,  from  the  first  moment 
when  he  received  from  the  hands  of  the  unfortunate  Captain  Baynton.  (who, 
although  an  officer  of  his  own  corps,  was  personally  a  stranger  to  him.)  that 
cherished  .si.ster  of  his  fiiend,  on  whose  ideal  form  his  excited  imagination  had 
so  often  latterly  loved  to  li-iiger.  uj)  to  the  present  hour,  we  should  vainly  at- 
tempt to  paint.  There  aie  emotions  of  the  heart,  it  would  be  mockery  in  the 
pen  to  trace.  From  the  insttint  of  his  first  contributing  to  preserve  her  life, 
on  that  dreadful  day  of  blood,  to  that  when  the  scliooner  fell  into  the  liands 
of  the  savages,  few  wonls  had  passed  })etween  them,  and  these  had  reference 
merely  to  the  po.sition  in  which  they  found  themselves,  and  whenever  Sir  Eve- 
rard felt  he  could,  without  indelicacy  or  intrusion,  render  himself  in  ilie  slight- 
est way  serviceable  to  her.  The  very  ciicumstances  under  which  they  had 
met.  conduced  to  the  suppression,  if  not  utter  extinction,  of  all  passion  attacli- 
ev'  to  the  sentiment  with  which  he  had  been  inspired.  A  new  feeling  had 
quickened  in  his  breast ;  and  it  was  with  emotions  more  a.ssimiiated  to  fiiend- 
Bhip  than  to  love  that  he  now  regarded  the  beautiful  but  sorrow-stricken  si.»»- 
%BT  of  his  bo.som  friend.  Still  there  was  a  softness,  a  purit}',  a  delicac;*  and 
t«jnderness  m  this  new  teeling,  m  which  the  influence  of  .sex  secretly  though 
unacknowledgedly  jiredominatiHl ;  and  even  while  sensible  it  would  have  been 
a  profanation  of  everything  most  sacred  and  delicate  in  nature  to  have  admit- 
ted a  thought  of  love  within  his  breast  at  such  a  moment,  he  also  felt  he 
could  have  entertained  a  voluptuous  joy  in  making  an}-^  sacrifice,  even  to  the 
surrender  of  life  itself,  provided  the  tranquillity  of  that  gentle  and  sulTering 
being  could  be  by  it  ensured, 

Clara,  in  her  turn,  had  been  in  no  condition  to  admit  so  exclusive  a  powei 


WACOU^TA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


210 


ip  and  shook  liig 
avc  been  the  vic- 
ning  is  at  hand, 
ronouncod  on  the 
Reginald  ?  By 
io  long  borne  the 

lie  strong  excito- 

utterablo  disgiis? 

an  almost  snjtcr- 

?i'asp,  gained  Ikt 

hroiigh  the  tent, 

e  me !"  sank  ex- 

withont. 

re  of  the  attach- 

ard  Valletort  for 

lie  abounding  in 

met,  we  at  on(;e 

Iventure,  nor  the 

loom  for  the  ex- 

a  tale  of  sad  ro- 

that  would  ren- 

I  upon  the  heart. 

1  ourselves. 

the  first  moment 

Baynton,  (wlio, 

er  to  him.)  that 

imagination  had 

houid  vainly  at- 

mookorj'  in  the 

)rescrve  her  life, 

into  the  hands 

se  had  rofcrcncc 

onever  Sir  Eve- 

'If  in  the  slight- 

vliieh  they  had 

passion  attacli- 

hcw  feeling  had 

ilated  to  friend- 

ow-stricken  sis- 

a  dclicac;-  an'' 

secretly  though 

'ould  have  been 

to  have  admit- 

he  also  felt  he 

ice,  even  to  the 

e  and  suffering 

elusive  a  powei 


as  that  of  love  within  her  soul.  She  had,  it  is  true,  even  amid  the  desolation 
of  her  sliattered  spirit,  recogni  ^ed  in  the  young  ollicer  the  original  of  a  por- 
trait so  frequently  drawn  by  her  broliier,  and  dwelt  on  by  herself.  She  ac- 
knowledged, moreover,  the  fidelity  of  the  painting:  but  however  she  might 
have  felt  and  acted  under  dill'orciit  (;ircumstances,  absorbed  as  was  lu-r  heart 
and  paralysed  her  iujiiginaliDn.  by  the  h,u  TiMving  .scciu'S  sli/  li.id  gone  through', 
she,  too,  ha(i  room  but  for  one  senliuunt  in  her  fainting  soul,  an*!  that  was 
friendship  for  the  friend  of  her  brolhcv ;  on  whom,  moreover,  she  bestowed 
that  woman's  gratitutle,  which  could  not  fail  to  l)e  awakened  by  a  recollection 
of  the  risks  he  had  encountered,  conjointly  with  Frederick,  to  save  her  from 
destruction.  During  their  pas.sage  across  tiie  Huron,  Sir  l^verard  had  usually 
taken  his  scat  on  the  deck,  at  that  respectful  distance  which  he  conceived  tho 
delicacy  of  the  {)Osition  of  the  tmfoitunate  cousins  demanded ;  but  in  such  a 
manner  that,  while  he  seemed  wholly  abstracted  from  them,  his  eye  had  more 
than  once  been  det<'cted  by  Clara  tixed  on  hers,  with  an  atlectionateness  of 
interest  she  could  not  avoid  rei)aying  with  a  glance  of  recognition  and  approval. 
Viiese,  however,  were  th(!  only  indications  of  regard  that  had  passed  between 
ihem. 

If,  however,  a  momentary  and  irrepres.sible  flashing  of  that  sentiment, 
which  had,  at  an  earlier  period,  formed  a  portion  of  their  imaginings,  did  oc- 
casionally steal  over  their  hearts  while  there  was  a  prospect  of  reaching  their 
friends  in  safety,  all  manifestation  of  its  ])ower  was  again  finally  suppressed 
when  the  schooner  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  savages.  Become  the  immediato 
prisoners  of  Wacousta,  thev  had  been  surrendered  to  that  ferocious  chief  to 
l)e  dealt  with  as  he  might  think  jn'Opei' ;  and  on  disembarking  from  the  canoe 
in  which  llieir  transit  to  the  mainland  hail  been  descried  that  morning  from 
the  fort,  had  been  separated  froiu  their  ecpiully  unfortunate  and  sulfering 
companions.  Captain  d<j  llaldimar,  Madeline,  and  the  Canadian,  were  de- 
livered over  to  the  custody  of  several  choice  warriors  of  the  tribe  in  vvliich 
Wacousta  was  adopted  ;  and.  bound,  hand  a«d  foot,  were  at  that  moment  in 
the  war-tent  of  the  tierce  savage,  which,  as  Ponteac  had  once  boasted  to  tho 
governor,  was  everywhere  hung  around  with  human  scalps,  both  of  men,  of 
women,  and  of  childien.  The  object  of  this  mysterious  man,  in  removing 
Clara  to  ^^^  ..^lot  we  have  described,  was  one  well  worthy  of  his  ferocious  na- 
luie.  His  vengeance  had  already  devoted  hei-  to  destruction  ;  and  it  was 
within  view  o-f  the  fort,  which  contained  tlio  father  whom  he  loathed,  he  had 
resolved  his  purpose  should  be  accomplished.  A  relineinent  of  cruelty,  such 
as  could  scarcely  have  been  suj)pose(l  to  enter  the  breast  even  of  such  a  re- 
morseless savage  as  himself,  had  caused  him  to  convey  to  the  sauie  spot,  him 
whom  he  rather  suspected  xhan  knew  to  be  tlie  lover  of  the  young  girl.  It 
was  with  the  view  of  harrowing  up  the  soul  of  one  whom  he  had  recognised 
as  the  oilicer  who  had  disabled  him  on  the  night  of  the  rencontre  on  the  bridge, 
that  he  had  bound  Sir  Kverard  to  the  tree,  whence,  as  we  have  already  stated, 
lie  was  a  compelled  spectator  of  everything  that  passed  within  the  tent;  and 
yet  with  that  free  action  of  limb  which  only  tended  to  tantalize  him  the  mora 
amid  liis  unavoidable  ettbrts  to  rid  himsell"  of  his  bonds, — a  fact  that  proved 
not  only  the  dire  extent  to  which  the  revenge  of  Wacousta  could  be  carried, 
but  the  actual  and  gratuitous  cruelty  of  his  nature. 

Ont  must  have  been  similarly  circumsta?  ced  to  understand  all  the  agony 
9f  thft  young  man  during  this  odioiu;  scene  and  particularly  at  the  tierce  aoa 


:i 


M 


220 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnECY. 


■  ill" 


repcited  declarations  of  the  Ravage  that  Clara  should  be  his  bride.  Mor# 
than  once  had  he  essayed  to  remove  the  ligatures  which  confine''  his  wnist, 
but  his  unsuccessful  attempts  only  drew  an  occasional  smile  of  acrision  from 
his  enemy,  as  he  ghmocd  his  eye  rapidly  towards  him.  Conscious  at  le;i;,lli 
of  the  inutility  of  t'tl'orts.  wliich  without  licnotitiuiij  her  for  whom  they  were 
principally  prouipli.(l.  roudcrcd  him  iu  soiiu;  (l(.'i;rt't'  ridiculous  evru  in  his  own 
cvi'S,  the  wretchod  V'allciort  desisted  altopoth(T.  and  with  his  head  sunk  upon 
his  chest,  and  Ids  eyes  closeil.  sou-iht  at  least  to  sliut  out  a  scene  which  blasted 
his  sijiht,  ajid  harrowed  up  his  very  soul. 

lint  when  Clara,  utterinj;  her  wild  cry  for  protection,  and  rusliinp:  forth  from 
the  tent,  sank  almost  unconsciously  in  his  endtracc,  a  thrill  of  inexplicable 
j'ly  ran  through  each  awakened  fibre  of  his  frame.  Bonding  eagerly  for- 
\\  aid,  he  had  extended  his  arms  to  re(;eive  her ;  and  when  he  felt  her  light 
;ind  graceful  form  pressing  nj)on  his  own  as  its  last  refuge — when  he  felt  her 
heart  beating  against  his — when  he  saw  her  drooping  on  his  shoulder,  in  thf 
wild  recklessness  of  despair, — even  amid  that  scene  of  desolation  and  grief  li>. 
could  not  help  enfolding  her  in  tumultuous  ecstas}^  to  his  breast.  Every  hor 
••il>ie  danger  was  for  an  instant  forgotten  in  the  soothing  consciousness  th<it 
he  at  length  encircled  the  form  of  her,  whom  in  many  an  hour  of  solitude  he 
had  thus  pictured,  although  under  fiir  did'erent  circumstances,  reposing  cou- 
fiilingly  on  him.  There  was  delight  mingled  with  agony  in  his  sensation  of  the 
wild  tiuob  of  her  bosom  against  his  own  ;  and  even  while  his  soul  fainted 
within  him,  as  he  rcilected  on  the  fate  that  awaited  her,  he  felt  as  if  he  could 
himself  now  die  more  happily. 

Momentary,  however,  was  the  duration  of  this  scene.  Furious  with  anger 
tit  the  evident  disgiist  of  his  victim,  Wacousta  no  sooner  saw  her  sink  into 
the  arms  of  her  lover,  than  with  that  agility  for  which  he  was  remarkable, 
he  was  again  on  his  feet,  and  stood  iu  the  next  instant  at  her  side.  Unitina 
to  the  generous  strength  of  his  manhood  all  that  was  wrung  fioni  his  mingled 
love  and  despair,  the  olticer  clasped  his  hand  round  the  waist  of  the  droojiing 
Clara  ;  and  with  clenched  teeth,  and  feet  firmly  set,  seemed  resolved  to  defy 
every  etlort  of  the  warrior  to  remove  her.  Not  a  word  was  uttered  on  eith<;r 
side  ;  but  in  the  tierce  smile  that  curled  the  lip  of  the  savage,  there  spoke  a 
language  even  more  terrible  than  the  words  tliat  smile  implied.  Sir  Everard 
could  not  suppress  an  involuntary  shudder;  and  when  at  length  Wacousta. 
after  a  short  but  vioU'nt  struggle,  succeeded  in  again  securing  and  bearing  otf 
his  prize,  the  wretchedness  of  soul  of  the  former  was  indescribable. 

"  Vou  see  'tis  vain  to  struggle  against  your  destiny,  Clara  de  Ilaldinuir." 
Mieered  the  warrior  "  Ours  is  but  a  rude  nuptial  couch,  it  is  true  ;  bnt  the 
ivife  of  an  Indian  chief  nnist  not  expect  the  luxuries  of  Euiope  in  the  heart 
of  an  \merican  wildei-ness." 

"  Almighty  Heaven  !  where  am  I  ?'*  exclaimed  the  wretched  girl,  again  un- 
closing her  eyes  to  all  the  horror  of  her  position ;  for  again  she  lay  at  the 
side,  and  within  the  encircling  arm,  of  her  enemy.  "  Oh,  Sir  Everard  Valle- 
toit,  I  thought  I  was  with  you,  and  that  30U  had  saved  mefiom  this  monster. 
VV  here  is  my  brother  ? — Where  are  Frederick  and  Madeline  ? — Why  have  they 
deserted  me  ? — Ah  !  my  heart  will  break.  I  cannot  endure  this  longer,  and  live-" 
Clara.  Miss  de  Ilaldimar,"  groaned  Sir  Everard,  in  a  voice  of  searching 
«^>iiy;  "could  I  lay  down  my  life  for  you,  I  woidd ;  but  you  see  these 
bondis.    Oh  God !  oh  God !  have  pity  on  the  innocent ;  and  for  once  incline 


his  bride.  RIor» 
)nfine'1  his  waist, 
le  of  acriHJon  I'lotr, 
)nsciou.s  at  len-tli 
'  wliom  thvy  wore 
IS  evoii  in  Ins  own 
is  head  sunk  upon 
x'lu;  whiclj  blasted 

nisliinp:  forth  Crnxn 
ill  of  int'xplicablo 
uling  cafitn-ly  for- 
I  he  felt  her  lin:ht 
-when  he  felt  her 
s  shoulder,  in  thr 
ation  and  grief  h., 
oast.  Every  hor 
■onsciousnesH  t\uit 
nir  of  solitude  he 
ces,  reposing  con- 
is  sensation  of  the 
'  his  soul  fainted 
felt  as  if  he  could 

irions  with  anger 
<i\v  her  sink  into 
was  remarkHble, 

r  side.  Uniting 
I'loni  his  niin;iled 
t  of  the  dioopiiig 

resolved  to  dcfv 
uttered  on  eith(;r 

e,  there  spoke  a 
3d.  Sir  Everard 
ngth  VVacoustii. 

and  bearing  otf 
ibable. 

^  de  Ilaldiniar." 
s  true  ;  hut  the 
ijpe  in  the  heait 

d  girl,  again  un- 
1  she  lay  at  the 

Everard  Valle- 
>ni  this  monster. 
■Why  have  they 
Diiger,  and  live." 
ce  of  searcliing 

you  see  those 
for  once  incline 


VTACyUSTA,  OB,  TUS  PKOPUfiCY. 


wOj 


the  heart  of  yon  fierce  monster  to  the  whisperings  of  mercy.**  As  he  uttered 
the  last  sentence,  he  attempted  to  sink  on  his  knees  in  supplication  to  Him  he 
a(l<lressed,  but  the  tension  of  the  cord  pr(#\onted  him;  yet  were  his  hands 
clasped,  an<l  his  eyes  upraised  to  heaven,  while  his  countenance  beaiuDu  with 
an  expression  of  lervent  i'nlhiisii.sm. 

"Peace,  babbler!  or.  by  Iliavcn  !  that  prayer  shall  be  your  last,'' vocil'e- 
raleti   Wacousla.     '•  I'nt  no."  he  pur.-ned   to  liimself.  dioppuij;  at  the  satiu' 
tune  ll#"  poifil  of  his  tom.ihawk  ;  •"  tl  ese  are  I  ul  the  naturnl  wrilhinjis  ol  ilu 
jrusnea  worm  ;  ana  the  iouircr  |irotra(!ten  they  are,  the  more  comploie  w,ll  be 
my  vengeance."     Then  turuni^  to  the  ternlied  girl. —  •  You  ask.  Claiade  ll;vl- 
•iimar,  where  you  are?     in  the  tcul  of  youj-  mother's  Io\er,  I   reply. — at  tint 
side  of  him  who  once  pressed  her  to  his  lieait.  even  as  1  now  pre.ss  you.  and 
with  a  fondness  that  was  only  e(|ualle(l   by  her  own.     ''(Jonu'.  dear  t.'lara." 
iind  his  voice  assumed  a  tone  of  tendeiness  that  was  even  moiv  revolting  than 
his  natural  ferocity.  "  let  me  woo  you  to  the  alltrtion  she  once  possessed,     it 
was  a  heart  of  lire  in  which  her  image  stood  enshrined, — it  is  a  heart  of  fire 
Btill.  and  well  worthy  of  her  child." 

"Never,  never  !"  shrieked  the  agonised  girl.  "Kill  me.  murder  me,  if  you 
will;  but  oh!  if  you  have  pity,  pollute  not  iiiy  ear  with  the  avowal  of  your 
detested  love.  But  again  I  repe;it,  it  is  false  that  my  mother  ever  knew  you. 
She  never  couhi  have  loved  .so  llerce,  so  vin<liclive  a  being  as  yourself." 

•'  lla!  do  you  doubt  me  still  ?"  sternly  demanded  the  .savage.  Then  draw- 
ing the  shuddering  girl  still  closer  to  his  vast  chest. — "  Come  hither,  Clara, 
wlnle  to  convince  you  I  unfold  the  .sad  histoi-y  of  my  life.  an<I  tell  you  more 
of  your  parents  than  you  have  ever  known.  Wlien,"  h^;  pursued  solemnly 
'•you  have  learnt  the  extent  of  my  love  for  tlie  one,  au  ;  ^^v  hatred  for  the 
other,  and  the  wrongs  I  have  endured  from  both,  you  will  uo  longer  wonder 
at  the  spirit  of  mingled  love  and  vengeance  that  dictates  my  conduct  towards 
yourself.  Listen,  girl,"  lie  continue(i  liercely,  "  and  judge  whether  mine  are 
Injuries  to  be  tamely  pardoned,  when  a  whole  life  lias  been  devoted  to  the 
pursuit  of  the  means  of  avenging  them." 

Irresistibly  led  by  a  desire  to  know  what  possible  connection  could  have 
existed  between  her  parents  and  this  singnlar  and  ferocious  man,  the  wretched 
girl  gave  her  passive  assent.  She  even  hoped  that,  in  the  course  of  his  nar- 
rative, some  softening  reflections  would  pass  over  his  mind,  the  effect  of  which 
might  be  to  predispose  him  to  mercy.  Wacousta  buried  his  face  for  a  few 
moments  in  his  large  hand,  as  if  endeavoring  to  collect  and  concentrate  the 
remembrances  of  {)ast  years.  His  countenance,  meainvhile,  had  undergone  a 
change  ;  for  there  was  now  a  shade  of  melancholy  mixed  with  the  fierceness 
of  expression  usually  observable  there.  Thi.s,  however,  was  dispelled  in  tlie 
course  of  liis  narrative,  and  as  various  opposite  passions  were  in  turn  power 
fiilly  and  severally  developed. 


i.M 


'''I 


h'l  il 


2:i2 


WACOLl»TA,  OU,  TUK  I'UOPilKUT. 


CHAPTER  ;cxix. 

"  It  ianow  ft  ir  and  twenty  years,"  commenced  Wacousta, "  since  your  father 
uid  myself  first  met  as  subalterns  in  the  regiment  ho  now  commands,  when 
Ml  intimacy  suddenly  sprang;  up  between  uh,  which,  as  it  was  then  to  our 
brother  olHccrs,  has  since  been  a  source  of  utter  aftonishnient  to  myself.  He, 
all  coldness,  prudence,  obsequiousness,  and  forethou}>;ht.  I,  all  enthusiasm, 
carele.ssnes.s,  impetiiosity,  and  independence.  Whether  this  intimaucy  sprang 
from  the  adventitious  circumstance  of  our  boinjj;  more  frequently  thrown  to- 
gether as  oflicers  of  the  same  conqiimy. — for  we  were  both  atluched  to  the 
grenadiers, — or  timt  my  wild  spirit  »vus  soothed  by  the  bland  amenity  of  hiK 
manners,  I  know  not.  'I'he  latter,  however,  is  not  unprobuble  ;  for  proud  and 
haughty  and  di,i!,nilied  -is  the  colonel  now  is,  such  was  not  then  the  character 
of  the  ensign  ;  who  seemed  tin-own  out  of  one  of  nature's  supplest  moulds, 
to  fawn,  and  cringe,  and  worm  his  way  to  favor  by  the  wily  speciousness  of 
his  manners.  Oh  God  !"  pursued  ^V^acousta.  after  a  momentary  pause,  and 
striking  his  palm  against  his  forehead,  "  that  I  ever  should  have  been  the  dupe 
of  aiich  a  cold-blooded  hyj)Ocrite  ! 

"As  you  have  just  learnt,  Cornwall  is  the  country  of  ray  birth.  I  was  the 
«ldeat  of  the  only  two  sui-vivine:  children  of  a  large  family  ,  »nd.  as  heir  tr 
the  baronetcy  ol  tlie  proud  Mortons,  was  looked  up  to  by  lord  and  vassal  «» 
the  future  peipetuator  of  the  fomily  name.  My  brother  had  been  designed 
for  the  army  ;  but  as  this  was  a  profession  to  which  I  had  at  tached  my  incli- 
nations, the  point  was  waived  in  my  favor,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  I  Hrst 

joined  the  regiment,  then  quartered  in  the  Highlands  of  Scotland. 

Durmg  my  boyhood  1  had  ever  accustomed  my.self  to  athletic  exercises,  and 
loved  to  excite  myself  by  encountering  danger  in  its  most  terrific  forms. 

"The  wild  daring  by  which  my  boyhood  had  been  marked  was  powerfully 
awakened  by  the  bold  and  romantic  .scenery  of  the  Scottish  Highlands  ;  and 
a.s  the  regiment  was  at  that  time  quartered  in  a  part  of  those  mountainous 
districts,  where,  from  the  disturbed  nature  of  the  times,  society  was  difKcult 
of  attainment,  many  of  the  officers  were  driven  from  necessity,  as  I  was  from 
choice,  to  indulge  in  the  sjwrts  of  the  chase.  On  one  occasion  a  party  of  four 
of  us  set  out  early  in  the  morning  in  pursuit  of  deer,  numbers  of  which  wc 
knew  were  to  be  met  with  in  the  mountainous  tracts  of  liute  and  Argyleshire. 
The  course  we  happened  to  take  lay  through  a  succession  of  deep  dark  glens, 
and  over  frowning  rocks  ;  the  difficulties  of  access  to  which  only  stin-ed  up 
my  dormant  spirit  of  enterpi-ise  the  more.  We  had  continued  in  this  coin-.se 
for  many  hours,  overcoming  one  (•lifiiculty  only  to  be  encountei-ed  by  another, 
and  yet  without  meeting  a  single  deei- ;  when,  at  length,  the  faint  blast  jf  a 
horn  was  heard  far  above  our  heads  in  the  distance,  and  presently  a  noble  stag 
was  seen  to  as.^nd  a  ledge  of.  ro»ks  immediately  in  front  of  us.  To  raise  my 
pun  to  m^  shoulder  and  fire  was  the  work  of  a  moment,  after  which  we  all 
followed  m  pursuit.  On  reaching  the  spot  where  the  deer  had  first  been  seen, 
we  observed  traces  of  blood,  satisfyinjK  us  he  had  been  wounded  j  but  the  courao 


NVA(  orSi'A,  OR,  Tnfl  IfiCUPltEUY. 


223 


since  3'our  father 
i^nunands,  when 
'as  then  to  our 
to  niynM.     He, 
all  enthusiasm, 
ilimaucy  sprang 
iitly  chrown  to- 
attached  to  the 
'•  amenity  nf  hi^ 
;  for  proud  and 
n  the  cliaracter 
iipplest  moulds, 
speciousness  of 
ary  pause,  and 
e  been  the  dupe 

'th.    I  was  the 
tud.  as  hf'ir  to 
and  vassal  m 
been  desigiie^f 
ched  my  indi- 
■ii^hteen  I  tir«*t 
of  Scotland, 
exercises,  and 
c  forms, 
as  powerfully 
gli lands  I  and 
mountainous 
was  difficult 
IS  I  was  from 
])firty  of  four 
ol'  which  w£ 
Argyleshire. 
)  dark  jjlens, 
y  stirred  up 
this  coiu'se 
by  another, 
.  blast  ')f  a 
ft  noble  stag 
To  laisc  mv 
hich  we  ail 
t  been  seen, 
t  the  course 


taken  In  hfs  fli}:;Ut  was  one  that  seemed  to  dofy  every  human  efTort  to  follow 
m.     It  was  a  narrow  pointed  U-d^e,  ascending  boldly  towards  a  hu;;e  clilf 
that  projected  frowninuly  fiom  the  extn-me  sununit,  and  on  either  side  l:.y  a 
dark,  deep,  and  apparently  falhondess  ravine  ;  to  look  even  on  which  was  suf« 
licicnt  to  appal  the  stoutest  heart,  and  unnerve  the  steadiest  brain.     For  luo 
iiowever,  long  accustomed  to  dan;j:ers  of  the  sort,  it  had  no  terror.     I  U;A 
proceeded  about  five  hundred  yards  further,  when  I  came  to  the  termination 
of  llie  ledge,  from  the  e(|ually  narrow  transverse  extremity  of  wl>icli  branch- 
ed out  three  others;  the  whole  contributing  to  form  a  figure  resembling  that 
<)i  a  trident.     Along  the  ledge  1  had  quitted  1  had  remarked  occasional  traces 
where  the  stricken  (k'er  had  passed;  and  the  same  blood  spots  now  directed 
uje  at  a  point  where,  but  for  these,  I  must  have  been  utterly  at  fault.    '1  ho 
centre  of  these  new  ridges,  and  the  narrowest,  was  that  taken  by  the  aninia^ 
and  on  that  I  once  more  renewed  niy  pursuit.     I  continued  my  course  towards 
the  main  body  of  rock  that  now  lOse   within  a  hundred  yards.     How  tbi* 
was  to  be  gained  I  knew  not  ;  for  it  shelved  out  abruptly  IVoiii  the  extreme 
summit,  overhanging  the  abyss,  and  presentijig  an  appearance  wSich  I  cannot 
more  properly  render  than  by  comparing  it   to   the  somnling  boards  placet! 
over  the  pulpits  of  our  English  clunches.     Still  I  was  resolved  to  persevere 
to  the  close,  and  I  but  too  unhappily  succeeded. 

"It  was  evident  to  me  that  tbeie  must  be  some  o])cning  through  which  too 
deer  had  effected  his  escape  to  the  precipitous  heights  above ;  and  I  felt  a  wild 
and  fearful  triumph  in  following  him  to  his  covei',  over  passes  which  it  was 
my  pleasure  to  think  none  of  the  hardy  mountaineers  th'iinselves  would  have 
dared  to  venture  upon  with  impunity.     1  paused  not  to  consider  of  the  ditfi- 
culty  of  bearing  away  my  pn/e,  even  if  I  succeeded  in  overtaking  it.   At  every 
st(.'p  my  excitement  and  determination  became  stronger,  and  I  tell  every  fibre 
(if  mv  frame  to  dilate,  as  when,  in  m-y  more  boyish  days.  1  usel  to  brave,  in 
my  gallant  skiff",  the  mingled  fury  of  the  warring  elements  of  sea  and  storm. 
.Suddenly,  while  my  mind  was  intent  only  on  the  ilangers  i  used  then  to  hold 
in  such  light  estimation,  I  found  my  further  progress  intercepted  by  a  fissure 
5)1  the  craig.     It  was  not  the  width  of  this  openirg  that  disconcerted  me,  for 
1  excoi^ded  not  ten  feet ;  but  1  came  upon  it  so  unadvisedly,  that,  in  attempt- 
mg  to  ;heck  my  torwarU  motion,  1  had  nearly  lost  my  equipoise,  aud  lalien  mio 
the  abyss  that  now  yawned  before  on  either  side  of  me.     To  pause  upon  the 
danger,  would,  1  felt,  be  to  insure  it.    Summoning  all  my  dextei-ity  into  a  sin- 
gle bound,  I  cleared  the  chasm;  and  with  one  buckskined  foot  ,'for  my  hunt- 
ing costume  was  strictly  Highland)  chmg  firmly  to  the  ledge,  w\iilc  I  secured 
my  balance  with  the  other.    At  this  point  the  rock  became  gradually  broadeij 
so  that  1  now  trod  the  remainder  of  the  rude  path  in  perfect  security,  until  I 
at  length  found  ujj'self  close  to  the  va.-.*  mass  of  which  these  ledgtss  were  merely 
ramifications  or  veins:   but  still  I  co.dd  discover  no  outlet  by  which  the 
wounded  deei  could  have  escaped.     WIlIc  1  lingered,  thoughtfully,  for  a  mo- 
ment, half  in  disappointment,  half  in  anger,  and  with  my  back  leaning  against 
the  rock,  I  fancied  I  heard  a  rustling,  as  of  the  leaves  and  branches  of  under- 
wooci,  on  that  part  which  projected  like  a  canopy,  far  above  the  aV)yss.    I  bent 
my  eyes  eagerly  and  fixedly  on  the  spot  whence  the  sound  pruceeded,  and  pre- 
seii;,ly  could  distinguish  the  blue  .sky  apjieai-ing  through  an  aperture,  to  which 
was,  the  instant  afterwards,  applied  what  I  conceived  to  be  a  human  face.    No 
Booiie}:,  however,  was  it  seeu  than  withdrawn  j  and  then  the  rustling  of  leaves 


224 


VACOUttTA,  uit.  lua  ritoroBCT. 


was  heard  again,  and  all  was  still  as  before. 

"  A  new  direction  was  now  given  to  n>y  feelings.  I  felt  a  presentiment  that 
my  adventure,  if  proscciited,  would  terminate  in  some  extraordinary  und  ehar- 
acteristic  manner:  and  obeying,  as  I  ever  ili<I,  the  first  impulse  of  my  heart.  I 
prepared  to  grapple  once  more  with  the  (htlicultics  that  yet  remained  to  ho 
•lurmoiuitwd.  Securing  my  gmi  hetween  some  twisted  roots  tliat  grew  out  of 
and  adliered  to  the  main  lioily  of  the  rock.  I  cummenced  the  dillicult  assent ; 
and,  after  consideral»lo  effort,  found  myself  at  length  immediately  under  the 
aperture.  My  progress  along  the  lower  superlicies  of  this  projection  was  li!<o 
that  ""f  a  crawling  reptile.  My  hack  hung  su.'^pended  over  the  chasm,  into 
which  one  fal.se  movement  of  hand  or  foot,  one  yielding  of  the  roots  entwined 
in  the  rock  must  inevitably  have  precipitated  me ;  and,  while  my  toes  wormed 
themselves  into  the  tortuous  (ihres  of  the  latter.  I  pas.sed  hand  over  hand  be- 
yond my  head,  until  I  had  arrived  within  u  foot  or  two  of  the  point  1  desired 
to  reacli.  Here  however,  a  new  difliculty  occured.  A  slight  projection  of  the 
rock,  dose  to  the  aperture,  impeded  my  further  progress  in  the  manner  hith- 
erto pursued ;  and,  to  pass  thi.s,  I  was  compelled  to  drop  my  whole  weight, 
Ku.spended  by  one  vigorous  arm,  while,  with  the  other,  I  sej)arated  the  liushes 
that  concealed  the  opening.  A  violent  exertion  of  every  nniscle  now  impelled 
ine  upward,  until  at  length  1  had  so  far  succeeded  as  to  m;  •"'hice  my  head 
and  shoulders  througth  the  aperture;  after  which  my  tinsil  success  was  no 
longer  doubtful." 

One  of  tho.sc  painful  pauses  with  which  his  narrative  was  often  broken,  hero 
occurred ;  and,  with  an  energy  that  terrified  h'.r  whom  he  addres.scd,  Wacousta 
pursued. — ''  Clara  de  Ilaldiujar.  it  was  hero — in  this  garden — this  paradi.se — 
this  oasis  of  the  rocks  in  which  I  now  found  my.self,  that  I  first  saw  and  loved 
your  mother.  Ha !  you  start:  you  believe  me  now.  Loved  her !"  he  contintied, 
allcr  another  short  pau.se — "'  oh,  what  a  feeble  word  is  love  to  express  the  con- 
centration of  mighty  feelings  that  flowed  like  burning  lava  through  my  veins! 
Who  shall  [)r<itend  to  give  a  name  to  the  emotion  that  ran  thrillingly — madly 
througii  my  excited  fiame,  when  first  I  gazed  on  her.  who.  in  every  attribute 
of  womanly  beauty,  realised  all  my  fondest  fancy  ever  painted  ? — Listen  to 
mo,  Clara,"  he  pursued,  in  a  ficn;er  tone,  ami  with  a  convulsive  pressure  of  the 
form  he  still  encircled  ; — "If  in  my  younger  days,  my  mind  was  ahve  to  enter- 
prise, and  loved  to  contcmi)!ate  danger  in  its  most  appalling  forms,  this  wa.s 
iaf  from  being  the  master  passion  of  my  soul;  nay,  it  was  the  strong  necessity 
I  felt  of  pouring  into  .some  devoted  l)OHom  the  overflowing  fulness  of  my  heart, 
that  made  me  court  in  solitude  those  po  utions  of  d.-mger  with  which  the  image 
of  woman  was  evei  associated 

"J  have  already  said  thar,  on  gaining  the  summit  of  the  rock,  I  founi  my- 
«)e]f  in  n  soif  of  ntisis  of  the  nionntains.  If  was  so.  Ildti'd  in  (  n  ertry  hnr>  i 
by  boia  and  precipitous  crags,  that  seemed  to  defy  the  ajiproacli  even  of  the 
wildest  animals,  and  putting  utterly  at  fault  the  penetration  and  curiosity  of 
man,  was  spread  a  carpet  of  verdure,  a  luxuriance  of  vegetation,  that  inigh* 
have  put  to  shame  the  fertility  of  the  soft  breeze-nourished  valleys  of  Italy  and 
Southern  Fiance. 

'•  At  about  twenty  yards  from  the  aperture,  and  on  a  bank,  formed  of  turfj 
covered  with  moss,  anfl  interspersed  with  roses  and  honey-sucklea,  sat  tho 
divinity  of  the  oasis.  She,  too,  was  clad  in  the  Highland  dre.ss,  which  gave  an 
aif  of  wildoeiis  aiid  ele|j;auce  to  her  iigure  that  was  in  classic  harmoi\y  with  tho 


IrA 


presentiment  that 
n'dinary  and  cluir- 
ilso  of  my  heart.  I 
et  remained  to  ho 
that  j;re\v  out  of 
e  (hflicult  assent ; 
^diately  under  iho 
trojection  was  hko 
!•  the  chasm,  into 
he  n)ots  entwined 
!  my  toes  wormed 
ind  over  hand  ho- 
\\e  point  I  desired 
t  projection  of  the 
the  manner  hith- 
my  whole  wei}i;ht, 
a  rated  the  liushes 
•<cle  now  impelled 
»  '"'uoe  my  head 
1 1  8'iccess  was  no 

iften  broken,  hero 
Iressed,  VVacousta 
— this  paradise — 
•St  saw  and  loved 
• !"  he  continued, 

express  the  con- 
routth  my  veins ! 
rillingly— ma<Ily 

eveiy  attribute 
ted  ? — Listen  to 
e  pressure  of  the 
;vs  alive  to  enter- 
C  forms,  this  was 
strong  necessity 
nessof  my  heart, 
which  the  image 

>ck,  T  founi  my- 
n  *  n  ertry  ban  i 
)ach  even  of  the 
and  curiosit}'  of 
Lion,  that  mljrh* 
leys  of  Italy  and 

formed  of  tur^ 
suckles,  sat  the 

which  gave  an 
imoivir  with  tb« 


WACOITSTA,  on.  THE  rnopHrcY- 


furrotmdfng  scenery.  At  the  moment  of  my  nppraranro  s]\c  was  in  tho  net  of 
dressing  the  wounded  shouldei  of  a  stajr  that  had  rertiitly  hwu  shot ;  and 
from  the  })road  tartan  riband  I  perceived  attached  to  its  neck,  added  h>  tiie 
fact  of  the  tamene.ss  of  the  animal.  I  incsiinied  that  this  stn;_'.  evident Iv  h 
favorite  of  its  mistress,  was  tlie  same  I  hail  (ired  at  au'l  uuiinded.  Tho  v.ist- 
iin«;  I  made  among  the  btishes  had  altr;i<ted  her  atliiition  ;  slie  raised  lier  eves 
fnMH  the  deer,  and  beholding  me.  started  to  her  feet,  utining  a  cry  of  t<:Vor 
an<l  surprise.  Fearing  to  speak,  as  if  the  sound  of  my  own  voice  wcj-e  sullicicut 
to  dispel  the  illasion  that  liicinaled  both  eye  and  heart  into  delicious  tension 
on  her  form,  I  stood  for  some  moments  ii>  motionlcsj;  as  the  lock  out  of  which 
I  appeared  to  grow,  gazing  upon  her  I  was  destined  to  love  for  ever. 

"It  was  this  utter  immol>ility  on  my  own  part,  that  insured  me  n  continu- 
ance of  the  exquisite  happiness  1  then  enjoyed.  The  I'p-t  movement  of  the 
startled  girl  had  been  to  lly  towards  her  dwelling,  which  stood  at  a  short 
distance,  half  imbedded  in  the  same  clustering  roses  and  honey-suckles  tliat 
adorned  her  biwik  of  moss;  but  when  she  remarked  my  utter  st'lliiess,  and 
apparent  absence  of  purpose,  she  checked  the  impulse  that  would  have  direct- 
ed her  departure,  and  stopjied,  half  in  curiosity,  half  in  fear,  to  examine  me 
once  more.  At  that  moment  all  my  energies  appeared  to  be  restored  ;  I 
threw  my.sclf  into  an  attifciu.e  expressive  of  deep  contiitinn  for  the  intrusion 
of  which  I  had  been  unconsciously  guilty,  and  dropping  on  one  knee,  and  rais- 
ing my  clasped  hands,  inclined  them  towards  her  in  token  of  min,iile(l  depre- 
cation of  her  anger,  and  respectful  Iiomage  to  her.self.  At  first  she  hesitated,-.  • 
then  gradually  and  timidly  letrod  her  way  to  the  .seat  she  had  so  abruptly 
quitted  in  her  alarm.  Emboldened  by  this  movement,  1  made  a  step  or  two 
in  advance,  but  no  sooner  had  I  done  .so  than  she  again  took  to  Hight.  Once 
more,  however,  .she  turned  to  behold  me,  and  again  I  bad  dropped  on  my 
knee,  and  was  conjuring  her,  with  the  same  signs,  to  remain  and  bless  me 
with  her  presence.  Again  she  retiu'ued  to  her  seat,  ami  again  I  advanced. 
Scarcely  less  timid,  however,  than  the  deer,  which  followe<l  her  every  moment, 
she  fled  a  third  time, — a  third  time  looked  back,  and  was  a,i;ain  induced,  by  n^y 
supplicating  manner,  to  return.  Frequently  was  this  repeated,  before  I  ilufilly 
found  my.self  at  tlie  feet,  and  pressing  the  hand — (oh  (Jod  !  what  torture  in 
the  recollection  !) — yes.  pressing  the  hand  of  her  for  wbo<;c  smile  1  would, 
even  at  that  moment,  have  sacrificed  my  soul.  Such  was  your  mother.  Clara 
de  Ilaldimar ;  yes,  even  such  as  I  have  described  her  was  Claia  lijverley." 

Again  VVa^-OUSta  paused,  and  his  pause  was  longer  than  usual,  as,  with  his 
large  hand  again  covering  his  face,  he  seemed  endeavoring  to  master  the  fcfl- 
higs  which  these  recollections  had  called  up.  Clara  scaniely  breathed.  iV- 
mindful  of  her  desolate  position,  her  .soul  was  intent  only  on  a  histoiy  thnt 
related  so  immediately  to  her  beloved  mother,  of  'vliom  all  that  sIk;  had 
hitherto  known  wa.s,  that  she  was  a  native  of  Scotland,  and  that  her  father 
had  married  her  while  quartered  in  that  country.  The  deep  emotion  of  the 
tprrible  being  before  her,  so  often  manifested  in  the  course  of  what  he  hatl 
already  given  of  his  recital,  added  to  her  knowledge  of  the  facts  just  named, 
scarcely  left  a  doubt  of  the  truth  of  his  .statement  on  hei-  mind,  her  ear  was 
now  bent  aching  towards  iiim,  in  expectation  of  a  continuance  of  his  history, 
but  he  still  remained  in  the  same  attitude  of  absorption.  An  irresistible  im- 
pulse caused  her  to  extend  her  hand,  and  remove  his  own  fnim  his  eyes: 


i    "I 

n 


2'20 


WACOVSTA,  OR.  THE  PH    rUECT- 


III  ii' 


!  t,i 


Ikcf  Avoro  fi-Tlcd  with  tears ;  and  even  while  hor  mind  rajjidly  embraced  the 
Hope  that  this  manifestation  of  tenderness  was  but  the  dawning  of  mercy  to- 
wards the  children  of  her  he  had  once  ioved,  her  kind  nature  could  not  avoid 
sympathising  with  him,  wlnise  uncouthness  of  apjiearance  and  savageness  of 
nature  were,  in  some  nicnsure,  lost  sight  of  in  tlie  fact  of  the  powerful  love  hi 
yet  apparently  acknowIiMlged. 

But  no  sooner  did  Wacoiista  feel  the  soft  pressure  of  lier  hand,  and  meet 
her  eyes  turned  on  liis  with  an  expres.sion  of  interest,  than  the  most  rapid 
transition  was  ellected  in  his  feelings.  He  di-cw  the  form  of  the  weakly  re- 
sisting girl  closer  to  his  heait ;  again  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  her  lips;  and 
then,  while  every  muscle  in  his  iron  frame  .seemed  quivering  vvith  emotion, 
exclaimed, — "  liy  heaven  !  that  touch,  that  glance,  were  Clara  lioverley'.s.  Yes, 
L'lara."  he  proceeded  more  (ielil)erately,  as  he  scanned  her  form  with  an  eye 
iliai  made  her  shudder,  "  .such  as  your  mother  was,  so  are  you  ;  the  same  de- 
licacy of  proportion  ;  tlie  same  graceful  curvature  of  limb,  only  le.ss  rounded, 
less  w  omanly.  But  you  must  be  younger  by  about  two  years  than  she  then 
was." 

There  was  a  cool  licence  of  speech — a  startling  freedom  of  manner — in  the 
latter  part  of  his  address,  that  disappointed  not  le.ss  than  it  pained  and  of- 
fended the  unhappy  Clara.  She  shuddered ;  and  sighing  bitterly,  suffered  her 
tears  to  force  them.selvcs  through  her  closed  lids  upon  her  pallid  cheek.  Thta 
change  in  her  appearance  seemed  to  act  as  a  check  on  the  temporary  excite- 
ment o'f  Wacousta.  Again  obeying  one  of  those  rapid  tran.sitions  (j^  feeling, 
for  \^•hich  he  was  remarkable,  he  once  more  assumed  an  expression  of  seri- 
ousness, and  thus  continued  his  narrative. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

"  Tt  boots  not  now,  Clara,  to  enter  upon  all  that  succeeded  to  my  first  in 
tro<hiction  to  your  mother.  Tt  would  take  long  to  relate,  not  the  gradation* 
of  cur  passion,  for  Uiat  was  like  tlie  whirlwind  of  the  de.sei-t,  sudden  and  de- 
vastai"ng  from  the  first ;  but  the  burning  vow,  the  plighted  faith,  the  repos- 
ing confidence,  the  unchecked  abondonment  that  flew  from  the  lips,  and  fillerl 
the  lieart  of  each,  sealed,  as  they  were,  with  kisses,  long,  deep,  enervating, 
even  .such  as  I  had  ever  pictured  that  divine  pledge  of^  human  affection  should 
be.     Yes,  Clara  de  Ilaldinui-,  your  mother  was  the  child  of  nature  Ififiii. 

"  I  was  not  always  the  rugged  being  I  now  appear.  Of  surpassing  strength 
I  had  ever  been,  and  fleet  oT  foot ;  but  not  then  had  I  attained  to  my  present 
gigantic  stature;  neither  was  my  form  endowed  with  the  same  herculean 
rudeness;  nor  did  my  complexion  wear  the  swarthy  hue  of  the  savage;  nor 
had  my  featurco  been  rendered  rei)ulsive,  from  the  perpetual  action  of  those 
fierce  passions  which  have  since  assailed  my  soul. 

•'  Your  mother  had  been  brought  up  in  solitude,  and  without  having  seen 
the  face  of  another  man  that  her  father.  Colonel  Beverley,  of  English  name, 
but  Scottish  connections,  was  an  old  gentleman  of  considerable  eccentricity  or 
character.    He  had  taken  a  j>art  in  the  rebellion  of  1715  ;  but  sick  uud  difl- 


WACOt'RTA.  OR,  IHF.  PROPHECY. 


227 


lly  embraced  the 
ling  of  mercy  to- 
u  could  not  avoid 
nd  savageness  of 
powerful  love  h<i 

r  hand,  and  meet 
II  the  most  rapid 
of  the  weakly  re- 
on  her  lips  ;  and 
in<^  vvith  emotion, 
1  Boverloy's.  Yes, 
form  with  an  eye 
rou ;  the  same  de- 
•nly  less  rounded, 
;ars  than  she  then 

f  manner — in  the 
it  pained  and  of- 
tterly,  suffered  her 
allid  cheek.  This 
temporary  excitc- 
[isitions  0^^  feeling, 
expression  of  scri- 


ed to  my  first  in 
lot  the  gradation* 
,  sudden  and  de- 
faith,  the  repos- 
the  lips,  and  filled 
deep,  enervating, 
n  atlection  should 
nature  then. 
rpassing  strength 
ed  to  my  present 
same  herculean 
the  savage ;  \wt 
i\  action  of  those 

hout  having  seen 
of  English  name. 
)le  eccentricity  o^ 
but  sick  uud  dia* 


rastcd  wUh  an  Irkuo  hy  whirh  Lis   n.rtunos  had  hww  aTTvitcd.  ;md  ]ic:irt- 
broken  by  the  loss  of  a  }>i'I<)\id  wife,  whos'^  death  had  been  accok'rated  by 
circumstances  connected  with  the  disturbed  nature  of  the  times,  be  bad  nsoW- 
(yl  to  bury  him.self  and  cbild  in  some  wild,  where  the  face  of  man.  whom  h« 
loathed,  might  no  more  olfend  bis  sight.     This  oasis  of  tlic  ino'int;«iiv  was  tha 
KjiMt  silirted  for  bi.,  purpose;  for  he  bud  di.scovered  it  some  vea»>  j.m  viou.sl 
(in  an  oaasion.  when,  clcsely  pursued  by  some  of  the  Eimlisb  trooj)s,  ?»nd 
pfirated  {'rotn  his  followers,  he  had  only  e^ctcd  his  escipo  by  venturing 
thtf  ledwN  of  rock  \  b.nro  already  drvribwl.     After  mini.le  subsequeni  s* 
11  tbe  oppo.site  extremity  of  the  oblong  belt  of  rocks  that  shut  it  in  on  ev.>n 
liaud.  he  Xm-*.  discovered  an  opening,  through  which  the  transport  of  sucr*  .le 
re.s.saries  as  were  essential  to  bis  (jbject  might  be  effected  ;  and,  causing  on*;  ot 
his  dwelling  hou.ses  to  be  pulled  down,  be  bad  tbe  materials  eanicd  aa-oss  tht 
rocks  on  the  shoulders  of  the  men  employed  to  re-ertct  them  in  his  ohosc^n 
solitude.     A  few  months  served  to  complete  these  arrangement.s,  whi(  li  in- 
cluded a  garden  abounding  in  every  fruit  and  flower  that  could   possibly  livi 
in  so  elevated  a  region  ;  and  this,  in  time,  under  bis  own  cultuie,  and  that  o) 
his  daughter,  became  the  Kden  it  flist  ai)peared  to  me. 

"  Previous  to  their  entering  on  this  employi.ucnt,  the  workmen  had  fu-et 
neverally  sworn  to  secrecy  ;  and  when  all  was  declared  i-eady  for  his  reo(!piiMn 
the  colonel  summoned  them  a  second  time  to  his  presence ;  when,  al'tei-  mak- 
ing a  handsome  present  to  each,  in  addition  to  his  hire,  he  found  no  dillieuliy 
in  prevailing  on  them  to  renew  their  oath  that  they  would  pieseive  tbe  mo.si 
scrupulous  silence  in  regard  to  the  pl.ace  of  his  retreat.  lie  then  took  advaij 
tage  of  a  dark  and  tempestuous  night  to  execute  his  project ;  and,  attendet^ 
only  by  an  old  woman  and  her  daughter,  faithful  dependants  of  the  family, 
set  out  ill  quest  of  his  new  above,  leaving  all  his  neighbors  to  discuss  and 
marvel  at  the  .singularity  of  his  disapjiearance.  True  to  his  text,  however, 
not  even  a  boy  was  admitted  into  bjs  liousehold  :  and  here  they  had  continued 
to  live,  un.seeing  and  im.seen  by  man,  except  when  a  .solitary  and  distant 
mountaineer  occasionally  flitted  among  the  roeks  below  in  pursuit  of  hid 
p.ime.  Fi'uits  and  vegetables  eoiupo.sed  their  diet ;  but  once  a  fortnight  the 
Did  woman  was  despatched  through  the  opening  already  £nentioiie<l  which 
was  at  other  times  so  secured  by  her  master  that  no  hand  but  his  own  could 
remove  the  intricate  fastenings.  This  ex])edition  had  for  its  object  the  pur- 
chase of  bread  and  animal  fooi^  at  the  nearest  market ;  and  every  lime  she 
sallied  forth  an  oath  was  administered  to  the  crone,  the  purport  of  which  was. 
not  only  that  she  would  return,  unless  prevented  by  violence  or  death,  but 
tnat  she  would  not  answer  any  questions  put  to  her,  as  to  whom  she  was, 
whence  .she  came,  or  for  whom  the  fruits  of  her  marketing  were  intended. 

"  Meanwhile,  wrapped  up  in  his  books,  which  weie  chiefly  classic  authors. 
or  writers  on  abstru.se  sciences,  the  misanthropical  colonel  paid  little  or  no  at- 
liiitiim  to  the  cultivation  of  the  intellect  of  his  daughter,  whom  be  had  merely 
mstructed  in  the  elementary  branches  of  education  ;  in  all  which,  however. 
(ilM-  evinced  an  aptitude  and  perfectibility  that  indicated  quickness  of  geniu* 
and  a  capability  of  far  higher  attainments.  Books  he  principally  withheld 
from  her,  becau.se  they  brought  the  image  of  man,  whom  he  hated,  and^wisbet 
the  should  also  hate,  too  often  in  flattering  colors  before  her ;  and  had  any 
work  treating  of  love  been  found  to  have  crept  accidentally  into  his  own  cob 
lection,  it  would  instaiitly  and  indignantly  have  been  cominitted  to  the  flames. 


i  ,-1 


m 


i 


228 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


"Thus  left  to  the  action  of  her  own  heart — the  gin'dance  of  her  own  feel- 
ings— it  was  but  natural  your  mother  should  have  suffered  her  imagination 
to  repose  on  an  i(ieal  happiness,  which,  althougli  in  some  degree  destitute  of 
shape  and  character,  was  still  powerfully  felt.  V/hat  dear  aclvnowledgrnents 
(alas!  too  deceitful)  flowed  from  her  guileless  1  ps,  even  during  our  first  in- 
terview. 

"Two  long  and  delicious  hours."  pursned  Warousta.  after  aiother  painfal 

pause  of  some  moments,  "did  we  pass  together,  cxcham;ing  thought,  and 

speech,  and  heart,  as  if  the  term  of  our  acquaintance  had  he  'n  coeval  with  the 

first  dawn  of  our  intellectual  life  ;  when  suddenly  a  small  siher-toned  bell  was 

heard  from  the  direction  of  the  house,  hi!  from  the  spot  on  which  we  .sat  by 

the  lux\niant  foliage  of  an  intervening  labvunum.     This  sound  seemed  to  dis- 

Sipalc  tlie  dreamy  calm  that  had  wrapped  the  soul  of  your  mothei'  into  for- 

^etfuines.s.     She  started  suddenly  up,  and  bade  me.  if  1  loved  her,  begone ;  as 

»a&t  bell  announced  her  required  attendance  on  her  father,  who,  now  awaken- 

vu  from  the  mid-dav  slumber  in  which  he  ever  indulged,  was  about  to  take 

•'><  ummtomf'd  walk  ironnd  the  <rrounds ;  which  was  little  else,  in  fact,  thai 

4  close  msiH!Ction  ot  tfie  walls  ot  his  natural  casi  le.     1  rose  to  ()i)o\  lior  ;  oui 

eyes  met,  and  she  threw  herself  into  my  exteiidet;  arms.     We  whispered  nnew 

our  vows  of  eternal  love.     She  called  mo  her  husband,  and  I  pronounced  th. 

endearing  nauie  of  wife.     A  biirninj  kiss  sealed  the  compact;  and  on  her 

archly  observing  that  the  sleep  of  her  father  continued  about  two  hours  at 

noon,  and  that  the  old  woman  and  her  daughter  were  always  occupied  within 

ioors,  I  promised  to  repeat  my  visit  every  second  day  until  she  finally  quitted 

her  retreat  to  be  my  own  for  life. 

"  One  morning  I  had  hastily  sketched  an  outline  of  your  mother's  features 
in  pencil,  with  a  view  to  assist  me  in  the  design  of  a  miniature  I  proposed 
painting  from  memory.  While  c/^upied  the  second  day  in  its  completion,  it 
occurred  to  me  I  wa«  in  orders  for  duty  on  the  following,  which  was  that  of 
my  promised  visit  to  the  oasis  ;  and  1  despatched  my  servant  with  my  com- 
pliments to  your  father,  and  a  request  that  be  would  l)e  so  obliging  as  to  take 
my  guard  for  me  on  the  to-morrow,  and  I  would  perform  his  duty  wh*'n  next 
his  name  appeared  on  the  rostiir.  Some  time  allervards  I  heard  the  door  of  the 
room  in  which  I  sat  open,  and  some  one  enter.  Presuming  it  to  be  my  ser- 
vant, ^returned  l^-om  the  execution  of  tiie  message  with  which  he  had  juf;t 
beencnJirged,)  I  paid  no  attention  to  the  circumstance;  but  finding,  presently, 
he  did  not  speak,  I  turned  round  with  a  view  of  demanding  what  answer  ho 
had  brought.  To  my  surprise,  however,  I  beheld,  not  my  servant,  but  yonr 
father.  lie  was  standing  looking  over  my  shoulder  at  the  work  on  which  [ 
was  engaged ;  and  notwithstanding  in  the  instant  he  resumed  the  cold,  quiet, 
smirking  look  that  usually  distinguished  him,  I  thought  1  could  trace  the 
evidence  of  some  deep  emotion  which  my  action  had  suddenly  dispelled.  lie 
apologised  for  his  intrusion,  although  we  were  on  those  terms  that  rendered 
apology  unnecessary,  but  said  he  had  just  received  my  message,  and  prefeired 
(toining  in  person  to  assure  me  how  happy  he  should  feel  to  take  my  duty,  or 
to  render  me  any  other. service  in  his  power.  I  thought  he  laid  unusual  em- 
phasis on  the  last  sentence ;  yet  I  thanked  him  warmly,  stating  that  the  only 
tsemce  I  should  now  exact  of  hira  would  be  to  take  my  guard,  as  I  was  com- 
pelled to  be  absent  nearly  the  whole  of  the  following  morning.    He  observed 


01 

in 

gl 
w 


ll 


I 


wmn 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PBOriiECY. 


229 


f  her  own  ffeel- 
UT  imagination 
ree  <k'.stitxite  of 
<nowledgnients 
ig  our  first  in- 

nother  pninfal 
f  thought,  and 
coeval  with  the 
-toned  bell  was 
hich  we  sat  hy 
seemed  to  dis- 
lothei'  into  for- 
ler,  begone :  as 
),  now  awaken- 
f;  about  to  take 
ie.  in  fact,  thai 
I  oDov  hc-r  ;  om 

vliisj)L'red  f>rio\\ 
pronounced  th. 
t ;  and  on  her 
;  two  hours  at 
)ccupied  witliin 
!  finally  quitted 

other's  features 
ire  I  proposed 
?  completion,  it 
eh  was  that  of 
with  my  cotn- 
ging  as  to  take 
uty  wh^-n  next 
thedoorof  tlie 

to  be  my  ser- 
\  he  had  ju;;t 
ing,  presently, 
lat  answer  ho 
k'ant.  but  yonr 
)rk  on  which  I 
he  cold.  qni(.'t, 
)uld  trace  the 
lispelled.  He 
that  rendered 

and  prefeiTcd 
e  my  duty,  or 
1  unusual  em- 

that  the  only 
as  I  was  coni- 
He  observed 


with  a  smile,  he  hoped  I  was  not  going  to  veuture  my  neck  on  those  danger- 
ous precipices  a  second  time,  after  the  narrow  escape  I  had  had  on  the  preced- 
ing day.  As  he  spoke,  I  thought  his  eve  iiet  mine  with  a  sly  yet  scrutinising 
glance ;  and,  not  wishing  to  reply  immcuiately  to  his  question,  I  asked  hiui 
what  he  thought  of  the  work  with  which  I  was  endeavoring  to  beguile  an  idle 
hour.  He  took  it  uj),  and  I  watched  thr^  expression  of  his  handsome  counte- 
nance with  the  anxiety  of  a  lover  who  wishes  that  all  should  think  his  uns- 
tress beautiful  as  he  does  himself.  It  betrayed  a  very  indelinite  sort  of  admi- 
ration ;  and  yet  it  struck  me  there  was  an  eagerness  in  his  dilating  eye  that 
contrasted  strongly  with  the  calm  and  unconcern  of  his  other  features.  At 
length  I  asked  him  laughingly,  what  he  thought  of  my  Cornish  cousin.  He 
replied,  cautiously  enough,  that  since  it  was  the  likeness  of  a  cousin,  and  ho 
dwelt  emphatically  on  the  word,  he  could  not  fail  to  admire  it.  Candor, 
liowever,  compelled  liim  to  admit,  that  had  I  not  declared  the  original  to  be 
one  so  closely  connected  with  me,  he  should  have  said  the  talent  of  so  per- 
fect an  artist  might  have  been  better  employed. 

"  The  next  day  saw  me  again  at  the  side  of  your  mother,  who  received  me 
with  the  same  artless  <l(^nionstrations  of  afleotion.     After  the  first  full  and 
unresei'ved  interchange  of  our  souls'  best  feelings,  our  conversation  turnoJ 
upon  lighter  topics;  and  I  took  an  opportunity  to  produce  the  fruit  of  my  ap- 
plication since  we  parted.     Never  shall  I  forget  the  suiprise  and  delight  that 
aninated  her  beautiful  countenance  when  lirst  she  gazed  upon  the  miniature 
She  expressed  a  strong  desire  to  retain  it ;  and  to  this  1  readily  assented  i 
stipulating  only  to  keep  it  until  my  next  visit,  in  order  that  I  might  take  aa 
exfict  copy  for  myself.     She  herself,  she  said,  had  not  been  idle.     Althoi:gh 
her  nencil  could  not  caM  up  mv  image  in  the  same  manner,  her  nert  ha  3  Ix^ttei 
repaid  ber  exertions ;  and  m  return  tor  the  jwrtrait  she  would  give  in 
ter  she  had  written  to  beguile  her  loneliness  on  the  preceding  day.     j%    ein 
spoke  she  drew  a  sealed  packet  from  the  bosom  of  her  dress,  and  placing  it  in 
my  hand,  desired  me  not  to  read  it  until  I  had  returned  to  my  home.     But 
there  was  an  expression  of  sweet  confusion  in  her  lovely  countenance,  and  a 
trepidation  in  her  manner,  that,  half  disclosing  the  truth,  rendered  me  -.itttrly 
impatient  of  the  delay  imposes! ;  and  eagerly  breaking  the  seal,  1  devoured 
rather  than  read  its  contents. 

"Accursed  madness  of  recotection  !"  pursued  Wacousta,  again  striking  his 
brow  violently  with  his  hand, — "  why  is  it  that  I  ever  feel  thun  unmanntvl 
while  recurring  to  those  letters'?  Oh  !  Clara  de  Haldiuiar,  never  did  wouun 
pen  to  man  such  declarations  of  tenderness  and  attachment  as  that  too  dear 
but  faithless  letter  of  your  mother  contained.  All  confidingness,  she  sank 
her  head  upon  my  chest,  which  heaved  scarcely  less  wildly  than  her  own. 

"The  hcur  of  parting  at  length  arrived,  announced,  as  before,  by  the  small 
boll  of  her  father,  and  I  again  tore  myself  from  her  arms." 


Il 


^ 


230 


WACOUSTA,  OB,  THE  PEOPaKCT. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

"  Nearly  a  month  passed  away  in  this  manner ;  and  at  each  interview  out 
affection  seemed  to  increase.  One  day,  while  preparing  to  set  out  on  my  cus- 
tomary excursion,  a  report  suddenly  reached  me  tliat  the  route  had  arrived 

for  the  regiment,  wJio  were  to  march  from within  three  days.    This  in- 

tL'llij:;ence  1  received  with  inconceivable  delight ;  for  it  had  been  settled  by 
your  mother  and  myself,  that  this  should  be  the  moment  chosen  for  her  de 
parture, 

"  With  a  glowing  cheek  and  a  countenance  radiant  with  happiness,  did 
your  mother  receive  my  proposal  to  prepare  for  her  departure  on  the  follow- 
ing day.  She  was  sutUciently  aware,  even  through  what  I  had  stated  myself, 
that  there  were  certain  ceremonies  of  the  church  to  be  performed,  in  order  to 
give  sanctity  to  our  union,  and  ensure  her  own  personal  respectability  in  the 
world ;  and  these,  I  told  her,  would  be  solemnised  by  the  chaplain  of  the 
regiment.  She  implicitly  confided  in  me  ;  and  she  was  right ;  for  I  loved  her 
too  well  to  make  her  my  mistress,  while  no  barrier  existed  to  her  claim  to  a 
dearer  title. 

"  The  onl}'  difficulty  that  now  occurred  was  the  manner  of  her  flight.  I 
had  pioposed,  as  the  most  feasible  and  rational  plan,  that  the  colonel  should 
be  compelled  to  give  us  f^i  ress  through  the  secret  passage,  when  we  might 
command  the  services  of  the  old  v\  oman  to  guide  us  through  the  passes  that 
led  to  the  town  ;  but  to  this  your  mother  most  urgently  objected,  declaring 
that  she  would  rather  encounter  any  personal  peril  that  might  attend  her  es 
cape  in  a  different  manner,  than  appear  to  be  a  participator  in  an  act  of  vio- 
lence against  her  parent,  whose  obstinacy  of  character  she  moreover  knew  too 
well  to  leave  a  hope  of  his  being  intimidated  into  the  accomplishment  of  our 
object,  even  by  a  threat  of  death  itself.  This  plan  I  was  therefore  compelled 
to  abandon  ;  and  as  neither  of  us  were  able  to  discover  the  passage  by  which 
the  deer  always  effected  its  entrance,  I  was  obliged  to  fix  upon  one,  which  it 
w  <  urged  should  be  put  in  practice  on  the  following  day. 

•'  On  my  return,  I  occupied  myself  with  prc^)arations  for  the  reception  of 
her  who  was  so  speedily  to  become  my  wife.  Unwilling  that  she  should  bfl 
seen  by  any  of  my  companions,  until  the  ceremony  was  finally  performed,  I 
engaged  apartments  in  a  small  retired  cottage,  distant  about  half  a  mile  from 
the  furthest  extremity  of  the  town,  where  1  purposed  she  should  remain  un- 
^  the  regiment  finally  quitted  the  station.  This  point  secured,  I  hastened 
tt  the  quarter"  of  the  chaplain,  to  engage  his  wirvices  for  the  following  f  ve 
aiii^ ;  but  he  was  from  home  at  the  time,  ana  1  repaired  to  my  ov*  n  roonix 
to  prepare  the  means  of  escape  for  your  mother.  These  occupied  me  until  a 
very  late  hour ;  and  when  at  length  I  retired  to  rest,  it  was  only  to  indulge 
in  the  fondest  imaginings  that  ever  tilled  the  heart  of  a  devoted  lover.  Alas ! 
(and  the  dark  warrior  again  sighed  heavily)  the  da^-dream  of  my  happiness 
vvas  already  fast  drawing  to  a  close. 


at 

th( 

we 

&n( 

fee 

a 

lik 

an< 


WACOUSTA,  Oi;,  TUi:  PKCrULCY. 


231 


I  interview  out 
>ut  on  my  cus- 
te  had  arrived 
Ays.  This  in- 
en  settled  by 
en  for  her  de 

happiness,  did 
on  the  follow- 
stated  myself, 
2d,  in  order  to 
tability  in  the 
laplain  of  the 
or  I  loved  her 
ler  claim  to  a 

her  flight.    I 
olonel  should 
len  wo  might 
e  passes  that 
ited,  declaring 
ittend  her  es 
an  act  of  vio- 
'ver  knew  too 
hment  of  our 
Jre  compelled 
age  by  which 
>ne,  which  it 

reception  of 
he  should  be 
performed,  I 
'  a  mile  from 
i  remain  un- 
1, 1  hastened 
Jlowinjr  f  ve 
own  rooiu.N 
i  me  until  a 
y  to  indulge 
)ver.  Alas ! 
ly  happiness 


"At  half  an  hour  before  noon.  T  was  again  in  the  oasfs ;  your  motlici  was 
at  the  wonted  spot ;  and  although  she  received  nio  with  hoi-  stinniost  suiilts 
there  were  traces  of  tears  upon  her  check.  Slie  imj)lorc'(l  nie  to  forgive  her 
weakness;  but  it  was  the  first  time  she  was  to  be  soparatod  fi-oni  her^parent; 
&n(l  crMScious  as  she  was  tluit  it  was  to  bo  for  ever,  she  (?onl(l  not  rcpres:<  tlie 
feeling  .hat  rose,  despite  of  herself,  to  her  heart.  She  had,  however  pn.  -,irod 
a  letter,  at  my  suggestion,  to  be  left  on  bei-  favorite  moss  seat,  where  it  was 
likely  slie  would  first  be  .souglit  by  her  father,  to  assin-e  him  of  her  salVtv 
and  of  her  pi'ospects,  of  future  happiness ;  and  the  consciousness  that  he 
would  labor  under  no  harrowing  uncertainty  in  regard  to  her  fate,  seemed  at, 
length  to  soothe  and  satisfy'  her  heart. 

"  I  now  led  her  to  the  aperture,  where  I  had  left  the  apparatus  provide!  for 
my  purpose :  this  consisted  of  a  close  netting,  about  four  feet  in  depth,  with 
a  board  for  a  footstool  at  the  bottom,  and  furnished  at  intervals  with  hoops 
so  as  to  keep  it  full  and  open.  The  top  of  this  netting  was  provided  with 
two  handles,  to  which  were  attached  the  ends  of  a  cord  many  fathoms  in 
length  ;  the  whole  of  such  durability,  as  to  have  borne  weights  etpial  to  those 
of  three  ordinary  sized  men,  with  which  I  had  proved  it  prior  to  my  setting 
out.  My  first  care  was  to  bandage  the  eyes  of  yovu-  mother,  (who  winin^ly 
and  fearlessly  submitted  to  all  I  proposed.)  tliat  she  might  not  sea,  and  be- 
come faint  with  seeing  the  terrible  cliasm  over  whicli  she  was  about  to  be 
suspended.  I  then  placed  her  within  the  netting,  which,  fitting  closely  to  her 
person,  and  reaching  under  her  arms,  completely  secured  her ;  and  my  next 
urgent  request  was,  that  she  should  not,  on  any  account,  remove  the  band;ige 
or  make  the  slightest  movement,  when  she  found  herself  stationary  below, 
until  I  had  joined  her.  I  then  dropped  her  gently  through  the  aperture,  low- 
ering fathom  after  fathom  of  the  rope,  the  ends  of  which  I  had  firmly  secured 
round  the  trunk  of  a  tree,  as  an  additional  safeguard,  until  she  finally  came 
on  a  level  with  that  part  of  the  cliff  on  which  I  had  reposed  when  fii-st  she 
beheld  me.  As  she  still  hung  immediately  over  the  abyss,  it  was  necessary 
to  give  a  gradual  impetus  to  her  weight,  to  enable  her  to  gain  the  landing- 
place.  I  now,  therefore,  commenced  swinging  her  to  and  fro,  until  she  at 
length  came  so  near  the  point  desired,  that  I  clearly'  saw  the  principal  diilicul- 
ty  was  surmounted.  The  necessaiy  motion  having  been  given  to  the  balance, 
with  one  vigorous  and  finai  impulsion  I  dexterously  contrived  to  deposit  her 
several  feet  from  the  edge  of  the  lower  rock,  when,  slackening  the  rope  on  the 
instant,  I  had  the  inexpressible  satisfaction  to  see  that  she  remained  firm  and  sta- 
tionary. The  waving  of  her  scarf  immediately  afterwards  (a  signal  previously 
agreed  upon),  announced  she  had  sustained  no  injmy  in  this  rather  rude  col- 
lision with  the  rock,  and  I  in  turn  couunenced  my  descent. 

"  Feai'ing  to  cast  away  the  ends  of  the  rope,  lest  their  weight  should  by 
any  chance  affect  the  balance  of  the  footing  your  mother  had  obtained,  1  ii<»w 
secured  them  around  my  loin",  and  accomplishing  my  descent  in  the  customa- 
ry manner,  speedily  found  myself  once  more  at  the  side  of  my  heart's  deaiest 
treasure.  I  prepared  to  execute  the  remainder  of  my  task  ;  and  again  applied 
the  bandage  to  her  eycSj  saying  that,  although  the  principal  danger  was  over. 
Still  there  was  another  1  could  not  bear  she  should  look  upon. 

"Disengaging  the  rope  from  the  handles  of  the  netting,  I  now  applied  to 
these  a  broad  leathern  belt*  and  stooping  with  my  back  to  the  cherished  bur- 


£32 


WACOUbTA,  0I{,  IIIR  PnOPHECY. 


U     ! 


lU'U  witli  which  T  was  about  to  char^rc  myself,  passed  the  centre  of  the  "belt 
ttciu'-d  my  chest,  much  in  the  manner  in  which,  as  you  are  aware,  Indian 
vonjcn  carry  thcii  inAmt  .')iil<lren.  As  an  additional  p^'^^antinn.  I  had  scoured 
the  nettmg  rouna  my  waist  by  a  stroDj*  lacinp:  at*  card,  and  then  raising  my 
self  to  my  full  hcijjht,  and  satisfvinji  mvstlf  of  the  perfect  freedt>m  of  actior 
of  my  limhs.  seized  a  lonj;  halancing  \fole  I  had  left  suspended  apainst  th 
i-irk  at  my  last  visit,  and  commenced  my  descent  of  the  sloping  ridge.  0| 
ji|)|)roaching  the  horrible  chasm,  a  feeling  of  faintness  came  over  me,  despite 
nl  the  contidence  with  which  I  had  previo'isly  armed  myself.  This,  however, 
was  Imt  momentary.  Sensible  that  every  thing  iependcd  on  rapidity  of 
iiiDvenient,  I  paused  not  in  my  course  ;  but,  quicl  ting  my  pace  as  I  gradu- 
uily  drew  nearer,  gave  the  necessary  impetus  to  my  motion,  and  cleared  the 
irap  with  a  facility  far  exceeding  what  had  distinguished  my  first  passage,  and 
wliich  was  the  fruit  of  constant  piactice  alone.  Here  my  balance  was  sus- 
tained by  the  pole  ;  and  at  length  I  had  the  inexpressible  satisfaction  to  find 
myself  at  the  very  extremity  of  the  ridge,  and  immedis.  cely  at  the  point  where 
I  had  left  my  companions  in  my  first  memorable  pursuit. 

■'  In  the  deep  transports  of  my  joy,  I  once  more  threw  myself  on  my 
knees  in  speechless  thanksgiving  to  Providence  for  the  complete  success  of  m;' 
undertaking.  Your  mother,  whom  I  had  previously  released  from  her  con- 
finement, did  the  same;  and  at  that  moment  the  union  of  our  hearts  seemed 
lo  l»e  cemented  by  a  divine  influence,  manifested  in  the  fullness  of  gratitude  of 
each.  Throwing  over  her  shoulders  the  mantle  of  a  youth,  which  I  had  se- 
creted near  the  spot,  I  enjoined  her  to  follow  me  closely  in  the  path  I  was 
about  to  pursue. 

"  I  have  not  hitherto  found  it  necessary  to  state,"  continued  Wacousta,  hifk 
brow  lowering  with  fierce  and  gloomy  thought,  "  that  more  than  once,  latter- 
ly, on  my  return  from  the  oasis,  which  was  usually  at  a  stated  hour,  I  had 
observed  a  hunter  hovering  near  the  end  of  the  ledge,  yet  quickly  retreating 
an  I  advanced.  There  was  something  in  the  figure  of  this  man  thijt  recalled 
lo  my  recollection  the  form  of  your  father ;  but  ever,  on  my  rclurn  to  quar- 
ters. I  found  him  in  uniform,  and  exhibiting  any  thing  but  the  appearance  of 
one  who  had  recently  been  tlireading  his  weary  way  among  rocks  and  fast- 
nesses. Besides,  the  improbability  of  this  fact  was  so  great,  that  it  occupied 
not  my  attention  beyond  the  passing  moment.  On  the  present  occasion, 
however,  I  saw  the  same  hunter,  and  was  more  forcibly  than  ever  struck  by 
I  he  resemblance  to  my  friend.  Prior  to  my  quitting  the  point  where  I  hail 
liberated  j'^our  Mother  from  the  netting,  I  had,  in  addition  to  the  disguise  of 
ihe  cloak,  found  it  necessary  to  make  some  alteration  in  the  arrangement  of 
Her  liair ;  the  redundancy  of  which,  as  it  floated  gracefully  over  her  polished 
neck,  was  in  itself  suttioient  to  betray  her  sex.  With  this  view  I  had  removed 
)\vr  Illumed  bonnet.  It  was  the  first  time  I  had  seen  her  without  it;  and  so 
deeply  impressed  was  I  by  the  angel  like  character  of  the  extreme  feminine 
beauty  she,  more  than  ever,  then  exhibited,  that  I  knelt  in  silent  adoration  for 
Komo  moments  at  her  feet,  my  eyes  and  countenance  alone  expressing  the 
fervent  and  almost  holy  emotion  of  my  enraptured  soul. 

"  immediately  we  pursued  our  course  ;  and  after  an  hour's  rather  laborious 
exertion,  at  length  emerged  from  the  succession  of  glens  and  rocks  that  lay 
ill  our  way ;  when  skirting  the  valley  in  which  the  town  was  situated,  we 
finally  reached  the  cottase  where  I  had  secured  my  lodging.    Preyious  to  en- 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PlcOPUECY. 


tre  of  the  belt 
Q  aware,  Indian 
n.  f  lifid  seciirwf 
icn  raisin^;  my 
jedom  of  actior 
led  apainst  th 
ing  ridge.  0% 
ver  me,  despite 
This,  however, 
on  rapidity  of 
ce  as  I  grudu- 
nd  cleared  the 
St  passage,  and 
lance  was  sus- 
sfaction  to  find 
:he  point  wh^ra 

myself  on  my 
i  success  of  m'' 
from  her  con- 
hearts  seemed 
3f  gratitude  of 
lich  I  had  se- 
le  path  I  wag 

Wacousta,  hia 
n  once,  latter- 
hour,  I  had 
kly  retreating 
th{jt  recalled 
urn  to  quar- 
ippearance  of 
cks  and  fast- 
it  it  occupied 
ent  occasion, 
^er  struck  by 
where  I  haii 
disguise  of 
t(ngement  of 
ber  polished 
had  removed 
t  it;  and  so 
ime  feniinino 
adoration  for 
pressing  the 

ler  laborious 
ks  that  lay 
situated,  we 
mous  to  en* 


233 


terfng  it,  I  had  told  your  mother,  that  for  the  few  hours  that  would  intervene 
before  the  marriage  ceremony  could  be  performed,  I  should,  by  way  of  lulling 
the  curiosity  of  her  hostess,  introihice  her  as  a  near  relative  of  njy  own. 
This  I  did  accordingly  ;  and,  having  seen  that  every  thing  was  comfortably 
ananged  for  her  convenience,  and  recommending  her  strongly  to  the  care  of 
Vhe  old  woman,  I  set  off  once  more  in  search  of  the  chaplain  of  the  regiment. 
Before  I  could  reach  his  residence,  however,  I  was  met  by  a  sergeant  of  my 
company,  who  came  running  towards  me,  evidently  with  some  intelligence  of 
moment.     lie  stated,  that  my  presence  was  reqiiircd  without  delay.     The 
grenadiers,  with  the  senior  subaltern,  were  in  orders  for  detachment  for  an 
•Miportart  service  ;  and  considerable  displeasure  had  been  m-mifesied  by  the 
Lionel  at  my  absence,  especially  as  of  late  1  hart  greatly  neglected  my  nulitarv 
duties.     He  had  been  looking  for  me  every  where,  he  said,  but  without  suc- 
cess, when  Ensign  de  Haldimar  had  pointed  out  to  him  ini  what  direction  it 
WAe,  V,kely  I  might  be  found. 

"  VVith  a  beating  heart  did  I  assume  an  uniform  that  appeared,  at  that  mo- 
Ksent,  hideous  in  my  eyes ;  yet  I  was  not  without  a  hope  I  might  get  off  this 
ill-timed  duty.  Before  I  had  completed  my  equipment,  your  father  entered 
my  quarters;  and  when  I  first  glanced  ray  eye  full  upon  his,  I  thought  his 
countenance  exhibited  evidences  of  confusion.  This  immediately  remined  mo 
of  the  unknown  hunter,  and  i  asked  him  if  lie  was  not  the  person  I  described. 
His  answer  was  not  a  positive  denial,  but  a  mixture  of  railery  and  surprise 
that  lulled  my  doubts,  enfeebled  as  they  were  by  the  restored  calm  of  his 
features.  I  then  told  him  that  I  had  a  particular  favor  to  ask  of  him,  which, 
in  consideration  of  our  friendship,  I  trusted  he  would  not  refuse ;  and  that  was, 
to  take  my  duty  in  the  expedition  about  to  set  forth.  His  manner  iraplieil 
concern ;  and  he  asked,  with  a  look  that  had  much  deliberate  expression  in  it, 
'if  I  was  aware  that  it  was  a  duty  in  which  blood  was  expected  to  be  si  ,.d1 
lie  could  not  suppose  that  any  consideration  would  induce  me  to  resign  my 
duty  to  another  officer,  when  apprise  '  of  this  firct.'  All  this  was  said  with  the 
air  of  one  really  interested  in  my  honor ;  but  in  my  increasing  impatience,  I 
told  him  I  wanted  none  of  his  cant ;  I  simply  asked  him  a  favor,  which  ho 
would  grant  or  decline  as  he  thought  proper.  This  wap  a  harshness  of  lan- 
guage I  had  never  indulged  in ;  but  my  mind  was  sore  under  the  existing 
cjmses  of  my  annoyance,  and  I  could  not  bear  to  have  my  motives  reflected  on 
ut  a  moment  when  my  heart  was  torn  with  all  the  agonies  attendant  on  the 
position  in  which  I  found  myself  placed.  His  cheek  paled  and  flushed  more 
than  once,  before  he  replied,  '  that  in  spite  of  my  unkindness  his  fricnd.ship 
might  induce  him  to  do  much  for  me,  even  as  he  had  hitherto  done,  but  that 
on  the  present  occasion  it  rested  not  with  him.  In  order  to  ju^;tify  himself  he 
would  no  longer  disguise  the  fact  from  me,  that  the  colonel  had  declared,  in 
the  presence  of  the  whole  regiment,  I  should  take  my  duty  regularly  in  future, 
and  not  be  suffered  to  make  a  convenience  of  the  service  any  longer.  If,  how- 
ever, he  could  do  anything  for  me  during  my  absence,  I  had  but  to  command 
him. 

"  While  I  was  yet  giving  vent,  in  no  measured  terms,  to  the  indignation  I 
felt  at  being  made  the  subject  of  public  censure  by  the  colonel,  the  same  ser- 
geant came  into  the  room,  announcing  that  the  company  were  only  waiting 
fqr  me  to  march,  »wd  thi|,t  the  coloqei  desired  uxy  iiistant  presence.    In  tk9 


■■  i 
if,  I 


m 

\\ 
'I 

i'  ill 


m 


234 


WACOUSTA,  OE,  THE  PROPHECY. 


Agitation  of  my  feelings,  T  scarcely  know  what  I  did,  putting  several  portions 
of  my  regimental  equipment  on  me  so  completely  awry,  that  your  father  no- 
ticed and  rectified  the  errois  I  had  coiniuitted  ;  while  agam,  in  the  presence  of 
the  sergeant,  I  expivssed  the  deepest  legret  he  could  not  relieve  me  from  a 
duty  that  was  hateful  to  the  last  dejjrye. 

'•  Torn  with  agony  at  the  thought  of  tlie  uncertainty  in  which  I  was  com- 
pelled to  leave  her  whom  1  so  fondly  adored,  I  had  no  other  alternative  than 
to  make  a  partial  contiJent  of  your  fatJier.  I  told  him  that  in  the  cottage 
which  I  pointed  out  he  would  llnd  the  oi'iginal  of  the  portrait  he  had  seen  m« 
jMiinting  on  a  former  occasion,— the  Cornish  cUusin,  whose  beauty  he  pi-ofcsscd 
to  hold  so  chejiply.  iMore  he  should  know  of  her  on  my  return  ;  but  af  pro- 
sent  I  confided  her  to  his  honor,  and  begged  he  would  prove  his  friendship  for 
me  l>y  rendering  her  whatever  attention  she  might  require  in  her  hiimblo 
abode.  With  these  hurried  injunctions  he  promised  to  comply ;  and  it  ha6 
often  occuired  to  me  since,  although  1  did  not  remark  it  at  the  tiine.  that  whiU, 
his  voice  and  manner  were  calm,  there  was  a  burning  glow  uj)on  his  handsome 
cheek,  and  a  suppressed  exultatio)i  in  his  eye,  that  I  had  never  observed  ou 
either  before.  J  then  quitted  the  room  ;  aiid  hestening  to  my  company  with 
a  gloom  on  my  brow  that  indicated  the  wreicluulnes.^  of  my  iiiward  spirit^  y^au 
90on  all  ur wards  on  the  march  from ." 


CIIAPrER  XXXII. 

• 

"  If,  hitherto,  Clara  de  llaldimar,  I  have  been  minute  in  the  detail  of  a)\ 
that  attended  my  connection  with  your  mother,  it  has  been  with  a  view  to 
prove  to  you  how  deeply  I  have  been  injured ;  but  I  liave  now  arrived  at  a 
part  of  my  history,  when  to  linger  on  the  past  would  goad  me  into  madness, 
and  render  me  unfit  for  the  p'.u'posc  to  which  I  have  devoted  myself. 

"  Will  you  credit  the  monstrous  truth."  he  added,  in  a  fierce  but  composed 
whisper,  tvliile  he  bent  eagerly  over  the  form  of  the  trembling  yet  attentive 
girl.  •'  when  I  tell  you  that,  on  my  retni-n  from  the  fatal  expedition,  during  my 
continuance  on  which  her  image  had  never  once  been  absent  from  mj'  mind,  I 
found  Clara  Beverley  the  wife  of  Da  llaldimar?  To  what  satanic  arts  so  cal- 
culating a  villain  could  have  recourse  to  eifect  his  object  I  know  not ;  but  it  is 
not  the  less  true,  that  she,  from  whom  my  pi-evious  history  must  have  taught 
you  to  expect  the  purity  of  intention  and  conduct  of  an  angel,  became  his 
wife, — and  T,  a  being  accursed  among  mnn."  Here  the  agitation  of  Wacousta 
became  terrific.  The  laboring  of  his  chest  was  like  that  of  one  convulsed  with 
some  racking  agony ;  and  the  swollen  veins  and  arteries  of  his  hea<l  seemed  to 
threaten  the  extinction  of  life  in  some  fearful  paroxysm.  At  lengh  he  burst 
into  a  violent  fit  of  tears,  more  appalling,  in  one  of  his  iron  nature,  than  the 
fury  which  had  preceded  it, — and  it  was  many  minutes  before  he  could  so  far 
compose  himself  as  to  resiune. 

"  Think  not,  <  Mara  de  llaldimar,  I  speak  without  the  proof.  Her  own  words 
confessed,  her  own  lij)S  avowed  it.  and  yet  I  neither  slew  her,  nor  her  para- 
mour, nor  myself.  On  my  return  to  the  regiment  I  had  fiown  to  the  cottage, 
on  the  wings  of  the  most  impatient  and  tender  love  that  ever  filled  the  bosom 
of  man  for  woman.  To  my  enquiries  the  landlady  replied*  that  my  cousin  had 


I  1 


WACOUITA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


235 


several  portions 
t  your  father  no- 
il the  presence  of 
'cHeve  me  from  a 

"hich  I  was  con>- 
aliernative  than 
t  in  the  cottafje 
-  he  had  soon  idh 
uty  lie  pi-oU'sscd 
iiin ;  but  afjiie- 
lis  friendship  for 

in  her  hunihlo 
Jply  ;  and  it  hat 

time,  that  whiif^ 
)n  his  handsome 
:ver  obs(jrvod  orj 
V  company  with 
ward  spirit^  vi  au 


the  detail  of  all 
with  a  view  to 
ow  arrived  at  a 
e  into  madness, 
lyself. 

5  but  composed 
J?  yet  attentive 
tion.  during  my 
om  my  mind,  I 
nic  arts  so  cal- 
V  not;  but  it  is 
ist  have  taught 
1.  became  his 
n  of  Wacousta 
lonvulsed  with 
lead  soenu'd  to 
engh  he  burst 
iturc.  than  tiie 
le  could  so  far 

Icr  own  words 
nor  her  para- 
to  the  cottage, 
led  the  bosom 
ny  cousin  had 


been  married  two  days  previously,  by  tha  military  chaplain,  to  a  handsome 
young  officer,  who  had  visited  her  soon  after  my  departure,  and  was  constantly 
xith  her  from  that  moment ;  and  that  immediately  after  the  ceremony  tiiov 
had  left,  but  she  knew  not  whither.  Wild,  desjierate,  almost  bereft  of  rejison, 
and  with  a  heart  bounding  against  my  bosoui.  as  if  each  agonising  throb  weri? 
to  be  its  last.  I  ran  like  a  maniac  back  into  the  town,  nor  paused  till  1  found 
myself  in  the  presence  of  your  fatluT.  My  mind  was  a  volcano,  but  still  1  ai- 
tiMiipted  to  be  calm,  even  while  I  charged  him.  in  the  most  outragvoiis  tcnus 
wir'\  his  villany.  Deny  it  he  could  uot ;  ImiI.  far  from  excusing  it.  he  boldly 
live  ved  and  justified  the  step  he  had  taken,  intimating,  with  a  smih"  full  of 
ni'>ining,  there  was  nothing  in  a  coniioction  with  the  fauiily  of  l»e  llaldiui.-ir 
to  rjliect  di.sgrace  on  the  cousin  of  Sir  Ki-giiiald  Morton  ;  aiid  that  the  higlus{ 
couipliment  he  could  pay  his  friend  was  to  attach  himself  to  one  whom  that 
fiieiid  had  declared  to  be  .so  near  a  relative  of  his  own.  There  was  a  coldm-s.s 
of  isnint  in  these  remarks,  that  implied  his  st-nsc  of  the  deception  1  had  prac- 
ti.^e<J  on  him.  in  regard  to  the  true  natru-e  of  the  relationship ;  and  for  a  mo- 
iiK'iit,  while  my  hand  firmly  grasped  the  hilt  of  my  sword,  I  hesitated  whether 
1  should  not  cut  him  down  at  my  feet:  I  had  self-command,  however,  to  ab- 
stain from  the  outrage,  and  I  have  often  since  regretted  I  had.  My  own  blood 
could  have  but  been  spilt  in  atonement  for  my  just  revenge ;  and  as  for  the 
obloquy  attached  to  the  memory  of  the  assassin,  it  could  not  have  been  more 
bit>«r  than  that  which  has  followed  me  through  life. 

"  For  weeks  I  was  insensible  to  anything  but  tlie  dreadful  shock  my  soul 
had  sustained.     A  heavy  stupor  weiglied  me  down,  and  for  a  [)eriod  it  waa 
supposed  my  reason  was  overthrown:  no  such  mercy  was  reserved  for  mo. 
The  regiment  had  quitted  the  Highlands,  and  were  ni)w  stationary  in  — — — , 
whither  i  had  accompanied  it  in  arrest.    The  restoration  of  my  faculties  was 
Hie  signal  for  new  persecutions.     Scarcely  had  the  medical  officers  repoi  teJ 
mr  tit  to  sustain  the  ordeal,  when  a  court-martial  was  assembled  to  try  rat 
on  a  farieiy  of  charges.     Who  was  my  prosecutor  ?     liisten,  Clara,'*  and  h« 
Bhook  her  violently  by  the  arm.     "  He  who  had  robbed  me  of  all  that  gave 
value  to  life  and  incentive  to  honor, — he  who,  under  the  guise  of  friendship, 
had  stolen  into  the  Eden  of  my  love,  and  left  it  bairenless  of  affection.    In  a 
woid,  yon  detested  governor,  to  whose  inhuman  cruelty  even  the  son  of  my 
brother  has,  by  some  strange  fatality  of  ccincidenco,  so  recently  fallen  a 
second  sacrifice.   Curses,  curses  on  him,"  he  pursued  with  frightful  vehemence, 
half  rising  as  li-.  spoke,  and  holding  forth  his  right  arm  in  a  menacing  atti- 
tude ;  "  but  *.t\(\  hour  of  retribution  is  at  hand,  and  revenge,  the  exclusive 
passion  of  '.he  gods,  shall  at  length  be  mine.    In  no  other  country  in  the 
world — under  no  other  circumstances  than  the  present — could  I  have  so  se- 
cured it. 

"  What  were  the  charges  preferred  against  me  ?"  he  continued,  with  a  vio- 
lence that  almost  petrified  the  unhappy  girl.  "  Hear  them,  and  judge  whether 
I  have  not  cause  for  the  inextinguishable  hate  that  rankles  at  my  heart. 
Every  trilling  disobedience  of  orders — every  partial  neglect  of  duty  that  could 
be  raked  up — was  tortured  into  a  specific  charge ;  and,  as  I  have  already  ad- 
mitted, I  had  latterly  tran-sgressed  not  a  little  in  this  respect,  these  were  nu- 
merous enough.  Yet  they  vvei'e  but  preparatory  to  others  of  greater  magni- 
tude. Will  you,  can  you  believe  anything  half  so  atrocious,  as  that  your 
Atber  sUould  have  ca^ed  on  a  petty  officer  not  only  to  prove  some  Tjoleut  and 


II, 


f:36 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  TUE  I'KOPHECY. 


iiisu1}ordinate  language  I  had  used  in  reference  to  the  commanding  officer  In 
my  own  rooms,  but  also  to  sub.stantiule  a  charge  of  cowardice,  grounded  on 
the  unwilhngness  I  had  expressed  to  accompany  the  expedition,  and  the  ex- 
traordinary trepidation  1  had  evinced  while  preparing  for  the  duty,  manifested, 
as  it  was  stated  to  be,  by  the  various  errors  he  had  rectified  in  my  equipment 
with  his  own  hand  ?  Yes,  even  this  pitiful  charge  was  one  of  the  many  pre- 
ferred ;  but  the  severest  was  that  which  he  had  the  unblushing  etlVontery  to 
make  the  subject  of  public  investigation,  rather  than  of  private  ntdress — the 
blow  I  had  struck  hna  in  his  own  apartments.  And  who  was  his  witness  in 
thicj  monstrous  charge  ?— your  mother,  Claru.  Yea,  l  stood  as  a  criminal  in 
her  presence ;  and  yet  she  c^me  forward  to  tender  an  evidence  tliat  was  to 
consign  mo  to  a  disgraceful  sentence.  My  vile  prosecutor  had,  moreover,  the 
encouragement  and  sanction  of  his  colonel  throui^hout,  and  by  him  he  waa 
upheld  in  every  contemptible  charge  his  ingenuity  could  devise.  Do  you  not 
anticipate  the  result  ? — I  was  found  guilty  and  dismissed  the  service. 

"  What  agonies  of  mind  I  endured, — what  burning  tears  T  nightly  shed 
upon  a  pillow  I  was  destined  to  press  in  freezing  loneliness, — what  hours  of 
solitude  I  passed,  far  fiom  the  haunts  of  my  fellow-men,  and  forming  plans 
of  vengeance, — it  would  take  much  longer  time  to  relate  than  1  have  actually 
bestowed  on  my  unhappy  history.  To  comprehend  their  extent  and  fonie 
you  must  understand  the  heart  of  fire  in  which  the  deep  sense  of  injury  had 
taken  root  j  but  the  night  wears  away,  and  brielly  told  must  be  the  remainder 
of  my  tJ>,le.  Tte  rebellion  of  Forty- Five  saw  me  in  arms  in  the  Scottish  ranks; 
and,  in  one  instance,  oi)posed  to  the  regiment  from  which  I  had  been  so  igno- 
miniously  expelled.  Never  did  revenge  glow  like  a  living  fire  in  the  heart  of 
a  man  as  it  did  in  mine  ;  for  the  ellect  of  my  long  brooding  in  solitude  had 
been  to  inspire  me  with  a  detestation,  not  merely  for  those  who  had  been 
most  rancorous  in  their  enmity,  but  for  everything  that  wore  the  uniform, 
from  the  commanding  olRcer  down  to  the  meanest  private.  Every  blow  that 
I  dealt,  every  life  that  I  sacrificed,  was  an  insult  washed  away  from  my  at- 
tainted honor ;  but  him  whom  T  most  sought  in  the  mfilee  I  never  could 
reach.  At  length  the coips  to  which  I  had  attaclied  myself  was  repulsed,  and 
I  saw,  with  rage  in  my  heart,  that  my  enemy  still  lived  to  triumph  in  the 
fruit  of  his  villany. 

"  Although  I  was  grown  considerably  in  stature  at  this  period,  and  wa3 
otherwise  greatly  altered  in  appearance,  I  had  been  recognised  in  the  action 
•»v  niunberjj  of  the  regiment ;  and,  indeed;  more  than  once  I  had.  in  the  in- 
toxication ot  my  rage,  accompan.ed  the  t)iow  that  s<iew  or  iiiawica  onv  al  u»v 
former  associates  with  a  declaration  of  the  name  ©f  him  who  niflicted  it.  1'ha 
consequence  was,  I  was  denounced  as  a  rebel  and  an  outlaw,  and  a  price  was 
put  upon  my  head.  Accustomed,  however,  as  1  had  ever  been,  to  rocks  and 
•astnesses,  I  had  no  difficulty  in  eluding  the  vigilance  of  those  who  were  sent 
in  pursuit  of  me  ;  and  thus  compelled  to  live  wholly  apart  from  my  species,  I 
at  length  learned  to  hate  them,  and  to  know  that  man  is  the  only  enemy  of 
man  upon  earth. 

"  A  change  now  came  over  the  spirit  of  my  vangeance  ;  for  about  this  period 
your  mother  died.  She  was  the  only  being  I  had  ever  looked  upon  with 
fondness ;  and  deeply  even  as  I  had  been  injured  by  her.  T  wept  her  memory 
?rith  manjr  a  scalding  tear.    This,  however,  only  increased  m^  hatred  for  him 


nandinp:  officer  In 
lico,  gioiindcd  on 
ition,  and  the  ex- 
duty,  manifested, 
in  my  equipment 
of  the  ninny  pre- 
linj^  ertVontery  to 
ate  red  less — the 
as  his  witness  in 

as  a  criminal  in 
lence  that  was  to 
id,  moreover,  tlie 

hy  him  lie  was 
se.     Do  you  not 
service. 

1  I  niglitly  shed 
-what  hours  of 
id  forming  plans 
I  1  have  actually 
;xtcnt  and  for(;o 
.so  of  injury  had 
)ethe  remainder 
I  Scottish  ranks ; 
id  been  so  i»no- 
!  in  the  heart  of 
n  solitude  had 

who  had  been 
re  the  uniform, 
Ivery  blow  that 
ly  from  my  at- 

I  never  could 
s  repulsed,  and 
triumph  in  the 

eriod,  and  was 
in  the  action 
had.  in  the  in- 

H'O  O/ll'  i)i    iiiv 

iicted  it.  1'ha 
d  a  pi'ice  was 
to  rocks  and 
'ho  were  sent 
niy  species,  I 
nly  enemy  of 

ut  this  period 

d  upon  with 

her  memory 

%tred  for  him 


WAcorsTA.  on.  Tnt:  rrornEcy. 


237 


wlio  had  rioted  in  her  beauty  and  sipplanted  me  in  her  dcvotedness.  I  had 
the  means  of  liariiing,  occasionally,  all  that  passed  m  the  regiment,  and  the 
Fame  accoimt  that  brought  me  Uic  news  of  your  mother's  death,  also  gave  me 
the  intelligence  that  tliree  children  had  been  the  fruit  of  her  union  with  De 
Jlaldimar.  I  heard  movcovor.  (and  this  gave  me  pleasure.)  that  their  father 
doated  on  theiu;  and  iVoiii  that  inuiiiciil  I  resolved  to  turn  I. is  cup  ofjov  Imo 
bitterness,  even  as  he  had  turned  mino.  I  no  longer  sought  his  life  ;  ftir  the 
iealousy  that  had  half  iTujielled  that  thirst  existed  no  longer:  but,  deeming 
his  cold  nature  at  least  accessible  through  his  jiarontal  atroction,  I  was  resolved 
that  in  his  chihlren  he  should  suller  a  portion  of  the  agonies  he  had  intlicted 
on  me.  I  waited,  howevei-,  until  they  should  be  giown  up  to  an  age  when 
the  heart  of  tlie  paivut  would  be  moii-  likely  to  iiionrn  their  loss;  and  then  I 
was  determined  my  vengeance  should  be  coniplcte. 

"  Circumstances  singularly  favored  my  design.  Many  years  afterwards,  the 
regiment  formed  one  of  the  expeditions  against  (,habec  under  General  Wolfe. 
They  were  connnanded  by  your  father,  wli<>,  in  ilie  course  of  promotion,  had 
obtained  the  lieutenant-ct>loneU;y  ;  and  1  observed  by  the  army  list,  tbat  a 
subaltern  of  the  same  naine,  whom  I  presumed  to  be  his  eldest  son,  was  in  the 
corjts.  Here  was  a  tield  for  my  vengeance  beyond  any  1  i-ould  have  hoped  for. 
I  contrived  to  pass  over  into  Cornwall,  the  ban  of  outlawry  being  still  unre- 
pealed: ami  having  procured  from  my  brother  a  sum  suilicient  for  my  neces- 
tiities,  and  bade  him  an  eternal  farewell,  embarked  in  a  fishing-boat  for  the 
coast  of  France,  whence  I  subse(|iiently  took  a  passage  to  this  country.  At 
Montreal  1  found  the  French  general,  who  gladly  r'Teived  my  allegiance  as  n 
subject  of  France,  and  gave  me  a  conuuission  in  ore  of  the  provincial  corps 
that  usually  served  in  concert  with  our  Indian  allies.  With  the  general  I  .soon 
became  a  favorite;  and,  as  a  mark  of  his  conlidtnce,  at  the  attack  on  Quebec, 
he  entrusted  me  with  the  command  of  a  detached  i  'regular  force,  consisting 
jiartly  of  Canadians  and  partly  of  Indians,  intended  ij  harrass  tlie  Hanks  of 
the  British  army.  This  gave  nic  an  oiijioitunity  of  be^ng  at  whatever  point  of 
the  tield  I  miglit  think  most  favoiable  to  my  de.sign ;  avid  I  was  too  familiar 
with  the  detested  uniform  of  the  regiment  not  to  be  able  to  distinguish 
ii  fiom  afar.  In  a  word,  Clara,  for  I  am  weary  of  my  own  tale,  in  that 
engagement  I  had  an  opportunity  of  recognising  your  brothe?  lie  struck 
UiC  by  his  martial  appearance  as  he  encouraged  his  gienadiers  to  tl  c  attack  of 
the  French  columns;  and  as  I  tinned  my  eye  ujion  him  in  admintion,  I  was 
stung  to  vhe  soul  by  his  re.seuillance  to  his  father.  Vengeance  thrilled 
throughout  every  fibre  of  my  frame  at  that  moment.  The  oppori  unity  I  had 
long  sought  was  at  length  airived ;  and  already,  in  smticipation,  I  enjoyed  the 
conquest  his  fall  would  occasion  to  my  enemy.  1  ru.shed  withm  a  few  feet  of 
my  victim  ;  but  the  bullet  aimed  at  his  heart  was  received  in  the  breast  ol  u 
faithful  soldier,  who  had  tlovvn  to  intercept  it.  How  I  cursed  the  acddlcr  foi 
bis  ofliciousuess '." 

"IJh,  that  soldier  was  your  nephew,"  eagerly  interrupted  Clara,  pointing  to 
wards  her  companion,  who  had  fallen  intj  a  profound  slumber,  "  the  husband 
•f  this  unfortunate  woman.  Frank  Hallo wy  (for  by  that  nume  was  he  aIon< 
known  m  the  regnnent)  loved  my  brother  as  though  he  had  been  of  the  same 
b*oun.  He  It  Wilis  who  Hew  to  receive  th*  «all  that  was  destined  for  another. 
Jiui  1  uursed  him  on  his  couch  of  sutlering,  and  with  my  own  hands  prepared 


QOA  WACOrSTA.  OR,  THE  PrOPriECT. 

his  food  and  dressed  hfs  wound.  Oh,  if  pity  can  touch  jour  heart  (and  T  will 
not  believe  that  a  heart  that  once  felt  as  you  say  yours  has  felt,  can  be  inac- 
cessible to  pity,^  let  the  recoUoction  of  your  nephew's  devotedness  to  my 
mother's  chih!  disarm  you  of  vengeanco,  and  induce  you  to  restore  us  I" 

••  Never!"  thundered  Wiicoiista, — "  novcr  I  The  very  cinMunsfanrc  you  have 
now  named  is  an  addilioiiid  iiiconlivo  to  my  vt'iij;eauci).  My  iii'phi'W  saved  the 
lil'f  of  your  brother  at  the  hazard  of  his  own;  uud  how  has  he  been  rewunU-d 
tor  the  generous  deed  i  liy  an  ignoiiiiuioiis  (leath,  inllieled,  perhaps,  lor  some 
niliiiee  not  more  dishonoriiif^  than  those  which  have  thrown  xwv.  nn  outcast 
upon  these  wilds;  and  that  al  the  couiiiuind  and  in  tiie  presence  of  the  Hither 
ol  nun  whose  life  he  was  fool  enouj'h  to  preserve.  Yet,  what  l»ut  ingralilttdo 
ol  the  grossest  nattu'e  could  a  Morfjn  expect  at  the  hands  of  the  false  family 
i>r  l)e  iluldinuir!  'Jhey  were  dcstuied  to  be  our  bane,  and  well  have  they  ful- 
lilled  the  end  tor  which  they  were  create<l." 

••  Aiuiighty  Providence,"  aspirated  the  sinking  Clura,  as  slic  turned  her 
siieaiuing  eyes  to  heaven  ;  "can  it  l)c  that  the  lunnan  heart  can  imdergo  such 
eiiaiige  i  Can  this  be  the  being  who  once  loved  my  mother  with  a  purity  and 
Iciideiness  of  affection  that  angels  themselves  might  hallow  with  approval ;  or 
is  all  that  I  have  heard  but  a  bewildering  dream  ?" 

••  iNo,  Clara,"  calmly  and  even  solemnly  returned  the  warrior ;  "  it  is  nc 
dream,  but  a  reality — a  sad,  dreadful,  heart-rending  reality  ;  yet  if  I  am  that 
alieieil  being,  to  whom  is  the  change  to  be  ascribed?  Who  tui-ned  the  geni'- 
r>»us  clurent  of  niy  blood  into  a  river  of  overflowing  gall  7 — Your  father  1 
lliit.  these  are  idle  words.  What  I  have  been,  you  know;  what  1  now  am,  and 
through  what  agency  1  have  been  rendered  what  I  p,m,  you  know  also.  Not 
more  tixed  is  fate  than  luy  purpose.  Your  brother  dies  even  on  the  spot  on 
which  my  nephew  died;  and  you,  Clara,  shall  be  my  bride;  and  the  lirst 
ihmg  your  children  shall  be  taught  to  lisp  shall  be  curses  on  the  vile  name  of 
L)e  Ualdimar!" 

'•  Once  more,  in  the  name  of  my  sainted  mother,  T  implore  you  to  liavo 
mercy,"  shrieked  the  unhappy  Clara.  '•  Uh !"  she  continued  with  vehement  suj)- 
plicatiou,  "let  the  days  of  your  early  love  be  biought  back  to  your  memory, 
tiiat  yoiu-  heart  may  be  softened  ;  and  cut  yourself  not  wholly  olf  from  your 
(jiod,  by  the  comniission  of  such  dreadful  outrages.  Again,  i  conjure  you,  re- 
store us  to  my  father." 

"  Nevei!"  savagely  repeated  Wacousta;  "I  have  passed  3'ears  of  torture  in 
the  hope  of  such  an  hour  as  this;  and  now  that  fruition  is  within  my  grasp, 
may  I  perish  if  1  forego  it !  Ila,  sir !"  turning  from  the  almost  fainting  Clara 
vlo  Sir  Everard,  who  had  listened  with  deep  attention  to  the  history  of  this  ex- 
traoi'dinary  man  ; — -for  this,"  and  he  thrust  aside  the  breast  of  his  hunting 
coat,  exhibing  the  sc.ir  of  a  long  but  superficial  wound, — for  this  do  you  owe 
me  a  severe  reckonini;.  1  would  recommend  you,  howevei," — and  he  spoke  in 
uiockery, — "when  ntxt  you  drive  a  weapon  into  the  chest  of  an  unresisting 
enemy,  to  be  more  certain  of  your  aim.  Had  that  been  as  true  as  the  blow 
from  the  butt  of  your  ritie,  I  should  not  have  lived  to  triumph  in  this  hour.  I 
little  tleemed,"  he  pui>;ued,  still  addressing  the  nearly  heart-broken  officer  in 
the  same  insolent  strain,  ''  that  my  intrigue  with  that  dark-eyed  daughter  of 
the  old  Canadian  would  have  beeu  the  means  of  throwing  your  companion  so 
speedily  into  my  powe- .  after  his  first  narrow  escape.  Ysur  disguise  was  well 
managed,  1  coaiess  j  aiid  but  that  there  is  an  instinct  alK)ut  me-  enabling  me 


WACOrSTA.  OR,  THE  PROPHFXT. 


icart  (and  T  will 
rdt,  can  be  inac- 
otcdness  to  my 
^tore  UH !" 
stance  you  huvp 
cphcw  Hiivi'd  the 
l;  bot'ii  I'l' wait  ltd 
L'rhupH,  fur  some 
ti  mo  an  outrast 
ICC  of  the  fat  her 
l»ut  in;;ratitudo 
tlic  false  family 
11  have  they  fnl- 

shc  turned  her 
in  nndcrgo  such 
ith  a  pniity  an<l 
ith  ai)proval ;  or 

rrior ;  "  it  is  nc 
yvt  if  I  am  that 
iirnod  tlie  p,en<.'- 
f— -Vour  father! 
.  1  now  am,  and 
now  also.  Not 
I  on  the  spot  on 
;  and  the  liist 
he  vile  name  of 

re  you  to  have 
I  vehement  sup- 

•  your  memory. 
'  olf  from  your 
;onjure  you,  re- 

rs  of  torture  in 
thin  my  grasp, 

fainting  Clara 

tor}'  of  this  ex- 

of  his  hunting 

his  do  you  owe 

nd  he  spoke  in 

an  unresisting 
ue  as  the  blow 
in  this  hour.  I 
'oken  officer  >n 
I'd  daughter  of 

*  companion  so 
guise  was  well 
a-  enabling  me 


to  (Hscovcr  a  Do  Iluldiinar,  as  a  hound  docs  the  deer,  oy  scoiU,  you  might 
have  Kuccteded  in  passing  foi'  what  you  appeared.    '•  l]ut''^(and  his  tone  sud- 
denly changed  its  nony  for  iioiceuess)  •'  to  the  point,  sir.     That  you  are  the 
lover  ol  this  girl  i  cicaily  pt  rouivo.  and  death  were  pivfiial>!c  to  a  liic  ciuhit- 
■«>red  oy  thjrecuMi'fiion  tl".al  ^ln'  whom  we  l-nc  i,  im-cs  in  the  anns  of  another 
No  SI  ,\\  kinihiess  is  meant  you,  however.   To-morrow  you  shall  return  to  lh« 
:(>rt;  and,  v.-hen  there,  you  may  ti'll  your  colonel,  that  in  e.xchangi'  for  a  cer- 
tain miniature  and  letters,  which  in  'the  hurry  of  (Icparmre.  I  droppod  in  hin 
Hpartment,  some  ten  days  siiuv.  Sir  K-.'^inalil  Morton,  the  outlaw,  nas  taken 
his  daughter  Clara  to  wife,  hut  without  the  .soleinnisation  of  tho.-e  tedious 
forms  that  bound  himself  in  ai'cursed  niuon  with  her  mother.     Uh  !  whul 
would  I  not  give,"  he  continued  hitieily,  "  to  witness  the  pang  inflicted  on  his 
false  heart,  when  first  the  dainning  truth  arrests  his  ear.     Never  »lul  1  know 
the  triumpli  of  my  power  until  now  ;  for  what  revenge  can  he  half  so  sweet 
(IS  tliat  which  attains  a  loathed  enemy  through  the  dishonor  of  his  child  ' 
lint,  hark  !  what  mean  tliose  sounds  ?" 

A  loud  yelling  was  now  heard  at  some  distance  in  rear  of  the  tefit.  Pre- 
sently the  bounding  of  many  feet  on  the  turf  was  distinguishable ;  and  then, 
at  intervals,  the  peculiar  cry  that  announces  tlie  escape  of  a  prisoner.  \Va- 
cousta  started  to  his  feet,  and  fiercely  grasjiing  his  tomahawk,  advanced  to 
the  front  of  tlie  tent,  where  he  seemed  to  listen  for  a  i  )ment  attentively,  as 
•f  endeavoring  to  catch  the  direction  of  the  j)',irsuit. 

"  lia  !  by  Iieaven!"  he  exclaimet],  '•  there  must  be  treachery  in  tliis.  or  yon 
slippery  captain  would  not  .so  soon  be  at  his  flight  again,  bound  as  I  had  bound 
niim."  Then  uttering  a  deafening  ytll.  and  ru.shing  past  Sir  Eve! ard,  near 
whom  lie  paused  an  instant,  as  if  undecided  whether  he  should  not  first  dis- 
po.se  of  him.  as  a  precautionary  measure,  he  flew  with  the  speed  of  a»  antelope 
in  the  direction  in  which  he  was  guideil  by  the  gradually  receding  sfiunds. 

"  The  knife,  Mi.ss  de  Ilaldimar,"  exclaimed  Sir  Eveiard,  after  a  few  mo- 
ments Ol  breathless  and  intense  anxiety.  "  See.  there  is  o'le  in  the  belt  that 
Ellen  Ilalloway  has  girt  around  her  loins.  Quick,  for  heaven's  sa»ve,  quick ; 
our  onl}'  chance  is  in  this." 

With  an  activity  arising  from  desjiair,  the  unhappy  Clara  sprang  from  tho 
rude  couch  on  which  she  had  been  left  by  Wacousta,  and  stooping  over  the 
form  of  the  maniac,  extended  her  haml  to  remove  the  weapon  from  her  side  ; 
but  Ellen,  who  had  been  awakened  from  her  long  slumber  by  the  yells  just 
uttered,  seemed  resolute  to  prevent  it.  A  struggle  for  its  po.ssessio  i  now  en- 
sued betwee-n  these  frail  and  (leli<'ate  beings  ;  in  which  Clara,  however,  had  the 
advaiit.'ige,  not  only  from  the  recumbent  position  of  her  opponent,  but  from 
the  greater  security  of  her  grasj).  At  length,  with  a  violent  effort,  she  co'.- 
trived  to  disengage  it  fiom  the  sheath,  around  which  Ellen  had  clos<  ly  ela.sped 
both  her  hands;  but,  with  the  (juickness  of  thought,  the  latter  vere  again 
'nlenc^hed  round  the  naked  blade,  and  without  any  other  evident  motive  thai: 
what  originated  in  the  ol)stinacy  of  her  madness,  the  unfortunaie  woman 
fiercely  attempted  to  wrest  it  way.  In  the  act  of  doing  so,  her  hinds  were 
dreadfully  cut ;  and  Clara,  shocked  at  the  sight  of  the  blood  she  ha/l  been  the 
means  of  shedding,  lost  all  the  energy  she  had  summoned,  and  sunk  senseless 
at  the  feet  of  maniac,  who  now  began  to  utter  the  most  piteous  cries. 

"  Oh,  God,  we  are  lost,"  exclaimed  Sir  Everard  i  "  the  voice  of  thAt  wretch* 


^!,' 


240 


WACOUSTA,  0".  TEE  PHOPHECY. 


n  ,■: 


ed  womnn  lias  alarmed!  our  enemy,  and  even  no./ 1  hear  him  ajproachlR? 
Quick,  Clara,  give  me  the  knife.    But  no,  it  is  now  too  late ;  he  is  here." 

At  that  instant,  the  dark  form  of  a  warrior  rushed  noiselessly  to  Wq  si)Ot  on 
which  he  stood.  The  officer  turned  his  eyes  in  desperation  on  his  enemy,  buc 
a  single  glance  was  sufficient  to  assure  him  it  was  not  Wacousta.  The  In- 
dian paused  not  in  his  course,  l>nt  passinjr  close  round  the  tree  to  which  tlio 
baronet  was  attached,  made  a  circular  movement,  that  brought  hi.n  in  a  Ywc 
witli  the  direction  that  had  been  '-ikcn  by  his  enemy  ;  and  again  they  were 
left,  alone. 

A  new  fear  now  oppressed  the  lieart  of  the  unfortunate  Vallet<  r+.,  even  tc 
agony :  Clara  still  lay  senselc:'s.  speechless  before  him ;  and  his  impression 
•<ra3,  that,  in  the  struggle,  Ellen  ilalloway  had  murdered  her.  Tl  e  lakt*?"  vet 
ontinued  her  cries  ;  and,  as  she  held  up  her  hands,  ho  could  see  by  *be  f>  e- 
iglit  thej'  werp  co^'M-ef-l  with  blood  \An  instinctive  impulse  rai's^M  >*'ti»  tf 
ocuno  forward  to  the  assistance  of  the  mv/tionless  Clara  ;  when,  to  his  mfinit« 
surprise  and  joy.  he  discovered  the  cord,  which  had  bound  him  to  the  tree,  to 
be  severed.  The  Indian  who  had  just  passed  had  evidently  been  his  deliverer; 
and  a  suflden  flash  of  recollection  reu-^'Ud  the  figure  of  the  warrior  that  had 
escaped  from  the  schooner  and  wf;s  sup.)0,«;ed  to  have  leaped  into  the  conoe  of 
Oucanasta  at  the  moment  when  Mud'uine  de  'laldimar  was  removed  into  that 
of  the  Canadian. 

In  a  transport  of  conflicting  feelings.  Si''  Everard  now  raised  the  insensible 
Clara  from  the  ground  ;  and,  having  satisfied  hiTn;<elf  she  had  sustained  no 
serious  injv.ry,  prepared  for  a  flight  which  he  felt  to  be  desperate,  if  not  alto- 
gether hopaless.  There  was  not  a  moment  to  be  lost,  for  the  cries  of  the., 
wretched  Ellen  increased  in  violence,  as  she  seemed  sensible  she  was  about 
to  be  left  utterly  alone ;  and  ever  and  anon,  although  afar  off,  yet  evidently 
drawing  nearer,  was  to  be  heard  the  flerce  denouncing  yell  of  Wacoiista. 
The  spot  on  which  the  officer  stood,  was  not  far  from  that  whence  his  unfor- 
tunate friend  had  conunenced  his  flight  on  the  first  memorable  occasion  ;  and 
as  the  moon  shone  brightly  in  the  cloudless  heavens,  there  could  be  no  mis- 
take in  the  course  he  was  to  pursue.  Dashing  down  the  steep,  therefore, 
with  all  the  ppeed  his  beloved  burden  would  enable  him  to  attain,  he  made 
immediately  for  the  bridge  over  which  his  only  chance  of  safety  lay. 

It  unfortunately  iiappened,  however,  that,  induced  either  by  the  malice  of 
her  insanity,  or  really  terrified  at  the  loneliness  of  her  position,  the  wretched 
Ellen  Hailoway  had  likewise  quitted  the  tent,  and  now  followed  close  in  the 
rear  of  the  fugitive.^,  still  uttennur  the  same  piercing  cries  of  anguish.  The 
voice  of  Wacotista  was  also  agam  hoard  in  the  distance  ;  and  Sir  Everard  had 
the  inexpressible  horror  to  find  that,  guided  by  the  shrieks  of  the  maniac 
woman,  he  was  now  shaping  his  course,  not  to  the  tent  where  he  had  left  his 
prisoners,  but  in  an  oblique  direction  towards  the  bridge,  where  he  evidentl}'^ 
hoped  to  intercept  them.  Aware  of  the  extreme  disadvantage  under  which 
he  labored  in  a  competition  of  speed  with  \m  active  enemy,  the  unhappy  offi- 
cer would  have  here  terminated  the  struggle,  had  he  not  been  partially  sus- 
tainevl  by  the  hope  that  the  detachment  piayed  for  by  De  Haldimar,  through 
the  friendly  young  chief,  to  whom  he  owed  his  own  liberation,  might  be  about 
this  time  on  its  way  to  attempt  their  rescue.  This  thought  supported  his  fal- 
tering resolution^  although  nearly  exhausted  with  his  efforts — compelled^  aa 


[m  ajproachiK?. 
he  is  here." 
y  to  the  sjwt  on 
I  his  enemy,  buc 
oust».  The  In- 
ree  to  wljich  tlio 
ht  hi.n  in  a  Ywp 
igain  they  were 

tilletf  H,  even  to 

his  impression 

Th  B  latt*!'  vet 

see  hy  *.hp  f>  -e- 

n,  to  his  inflnite 
n  to  the  tree,  to 
en  his  deliverer; 
arrior  that  had 
ito  the  conoe  of 
moved  into  that 

d  the  inacnsiMe 

id  sustained  no 

*ate,  if  not  alto- 

;he  cries  of  the,^ 

I  she  was  about 

If,  yet  evidently 

of  Wacousta. 

ence  his  unfor- 

occasion ;  and 

uld  be  no  niis- 

teop,  therefore. 

ittain,  he  made 

ty  lay. 

the  malice  of 

the  wretched 

ed  close  in  the 

anp;uish.    The 

ir  Everard  had 

of  the  maniac 

10  had  left  his 

■e  he  evidentl}'' 

under  which 

unhappy  oftt- 

partially  sus- 

imar,  through 

night  be  about 

ported  his  fal- 

-compelled,  aa 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


fin 


Tie  was,  to  sustain  the  motionless  form  of  the  slowly  reviving;  Clara ;  and  ho 
again  braced  himself  to  the  unequal  flight.  The  moon  still  shone  beautifully 
bright,  and  he  could  now  distinctly  see  the  bridge  over  which  he  was  to  pass- 
but  notwithstanding  he  strained  his  eyes  as  he  advanced,  no  vestige  of  a 
British  uniform  was  to  be  seen  in  the  open  space  that  lay  beyond.  Onoe  he 
turned  to  regard  his  pursuers.  fiUen  was  a  few  yards  only  in  his  rear:  and 
considerably  beyond  her  rose,  in  tall  relief  against  the  heavens,  the  gigantic 
form  of  the  warrior.  The  pursuit  of  the  latter  was  now  conducted  with  a 
silence  that  terrified  even  more  than  the  yells  he  had  previously  uttered ;  and 
he  gained  so  rapidly  on  his  victims,  that  the  tread  of  his  large  feet  was  now 
distinctly  audible.  Again  the  officer,  with  despair  in  his  heart,  made  the 
most  incredible  exertions  to  reach  the  bridge,  without  seeming  to  reflect  that, 
even  when  there,  no  security  was  offered  him  against  his  enemy.  Once,  as  he 
drew  nearer,  he  fancied  he  saw  the  dark  heads  of  human  beings  peering  from 
under  the  part  of  the  arch  which  had  aftbrded  cover  to  De  Haldimar  and  him- 
self on  thfi  memorable  occasion  of  their  departure  with  the  Canadian ;  and, 
convinced  that  the  warriors  of  Wacousta  had  been  sent  there  to  lie  in  ambus- 
cade and  intercept  his  retreat,  his  hopes  were  utterly  paralysed ;  and  although 
he  stooped  not,  his  flight  was  rather  mechanical  than  the  fruit  of  anv  Byste 
matic  plan  of  escape. 

He  had  now  gained  the  extremity  of  the  bridge,  with  Ellen  Halloway  and 
Wacousta,  close  in  his  rear,  when  suddenly  the  heads  of  many  men  were  once 
wore  distinguishable,  even  in  the  shadow  of  the  arch  that  overhung  the  sandii 
of  the  river.    Three  individuals  detached  themselves  from  the  group,  and  leap 
mg  up©n  the  further  extremity  of  the  bridge,  moved  rapidly  to  nteet  him 
Meanwhile  the  baronet  had  stopped  suddenly,  as  if  in  doubt  whether  to  ad 
vance  or  recede.     His  suspense  was  but  momentary.    Although  the  person!! 
of  these  men  were  disguised  as  Indian  wairiors,  the  broad  moonlight  thai 
beamed  full  on  their  countenances  dis(?losed  the  well-remembered  feature.s  of 
Blessington,  Erskine,  t.id  Charles  de  Haldimar.    The  latter  sprang  before  his 
companions,  and,  uttering  a  cry  of  joy,  sank  in  speechless  agony  on  the  neck 
of  his  still  unconscious  sister. 

"  For  God's  sake,  fiee  me,  De  Haldimar  !"  exclaimed  the  excited  baronet, 
disengaging  his  charge  from  the  embrace  of  his  friend.  "  This  is  no  moment 
for  gratulation.  Erskine,  Blessington,  see  you  not  who  is  behind  me?  Be 
upon  your  guard ;  defend  your  lives  !"  .\nd  as  he  spoke,  he  rushed  forward 
with  faint  and  tottering  steps  to  place  his  companions  between  the  unhappy 
girl  and  the  danger  that  threatened  her. 

The  swords  of  the  oflicers  were  drawn  ;  but  instead  of  advancing  upon  the 
formidable  being,  who  stood  as  if  paialysed  at  this  unexpected  rencontre,  the 
two  seniors  contented  themselves  with  assuming  a  defensive  attitude,— retir- 
ing slowly  and  gradually  towards  the  other  extremity  of  the  bridge. 

Overcome  by  his  emotion.  Charles  «le  Haldimar  had  not  noticed  this  action 
of  his  companions,  and  stood  apparently  riveted  to  the  spot.  The  voice  of 
Blessington  calling  on  him  by  name  to  retire,  seemed  to  arouse  the  dormant 
consciousness  of  the  unhappy  maniac.  She  uttered  a  piercing  shriek,  and 
springing  forward,  sank  on  her  knees  at  his  feet,  exclaiming,  as  she  forcibly 
detained  him  by  his  dress — 

**  Almighty  Heaven !  where  am  I  ?  surely  that  was  Captain  Blessington's 
kind  voice  I  heard ;  and  you — ^you  are  Chai-Ies  de  Haldimar.    Oh  1  aava  my 


ins 


^•'!l 


242 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPIiECr. 


\ 


husband ;  plea»1  for  hftn  with  your  father ! hut  no,*»  she  continued  wildly, 

— "  he  is  dead — he  is  murdered !    Uehola  these  hands  all  covered  with  hi" 
blood !— » 

"  Ha !  another  De  Haldimar !"  exclaimed  Wacoiista,  recovering  his  slum- 
bering energies,  "this  spot  scen«j  indeed  fntcd  for  our  meeting.  More  than 
thrice  have  I  been  baulked  of  my  just  revenge,  hut  now  will  1  secure  it. 
^hus,  Ellen,  do  I  avenge  your  husband's  and  my  nephew's  death.  My  own 
wrongs  demand  another  saciitice.  But,  ha !  where  is  she  ?  where  is  Clara  ? 
where  is  my  bride  ?" 

Bounding  over  the  ill-fated  De  Haldimar.  who  lay,  even  in  death,  firmly 
clasped  in  the  embruce  of  the  wretched  Ellen,  the  fierce  man  dashed  furiously 
forward  to  renew  his  pursuit  of  the  fugitives.  But  suddenly  the  extremity 
of  the  bridge  was  filled  with  a  column  of  armed  men,  that  kq)t  issuing  from 
the  arch  beneath.  Sensible  of  his  danger,  he  sought  to  make  good  his  re- 
treat ;  but  when  he  turned  for  the  purpose,  the  same  formidable  array  met 
his  view  at  the  opposite  extremity ;  and  both  parties  now  rapidly  advanced  in 
double  quick  time,  evidently  with  a  view  of  closing  upon  and  taking  him  pri- 
Bonpr.  In  this  delemma,  his  only  hope  was  in  the  assistance  that  might  be 
rendered  him  by  his  warriors.  A  yell,  so  terrific  as  to  be  distinctly  heard  in 
the  fort  itself  burst  from  his  vast  chest,  and  rolled  in  prolonged  echoes 
through  the  forest.  It  was  faintly  answered  from  the  encampment,  and  met 
by  deep  but  noiseless  curses  from  the  exasperated  soldiery,  vvhoui  the  sight  of 
their  murdered  officer  was  momentarily  working  into  frenzy. 

"  Kill  him  not.  for  your  lives ! — 1  command  you.  men,  kill  hun  not !"  mut- 
tered Captain  Hlessington  with  suppi-csscd  passion,  as  his  troops  were  prepar- 
ing to  immolate  him  on  their  clustering  bayonets.  "Such  a  death  were,  in- 
deed, mercy  to  such  a  villain." 

••  ila  !  ha !"  laughed  Wacoust:i  in  better  scorn  ;  "  who  is  there  of  all  youi 
accursed  regiment  who  will  dare  to  take  him  alive?"  Then  brandishing  his 
tomahawk  around  him,  to  prevent  their  finally  closing,  he  dealt  his  blow" 
'rith  suchaston'shingvelocit".  that  no  unguarded  point  was  left  about  his  per 
«on  ;  and  more  than  one  soldier  was  brought  to  the  earth  in  the  course  of  the 
une'pial  struggle. 

"  By  G — d  !"  said  CaptaiU  Erskine,  "are  the  two  best  companies  of  the  re- 
giment to  be  kept  at  bay  by  a  single  desperado  ?  Shame  on  ye,  fellows  !  If 
his  hands  are  too  many  for  you,  lay  him  by  the  heels." 

This  ruse  was  practised  with  success.  In  attempting  to  defend  himself  from 
the  attack  of  those  who  sought  to  throw  him  down,  the  warrior  necessarily  left 
his  ujjper  person  exposed  ;  when  advantage  was  taken  to  close  with  hin\  and 
deprive  him  of  the  play  of  his  aims.  It  was  not,  however,  without  consitler- 
able  difficulty,  that  they  succeeded  in  disarming  and  binding  his  hands ;  after 
which  a  strong  cord  being  tastened  round  his  waist,  he  was  tightly  lashed  to  a 
gun.  which,  contrary  to  the  original  intention  of  the  governor,  had  been  .sent 
out  with  the  expedition.  The  retreat  of  the  detachment  then  commenced  ra- 
pidly ;  but  it  was  not  without  being  hotly  pursued  by  the  band  of  warriors 
the  yell  of  Wacousta  had  summoned  in  pursuit,  that  they  finally  gained  the 
fort ;  under  what  feelings  of  sorrow  for  the  fate  of  an  oflicer  so  bulovedj  wc: 
le»ve  it  to  our  readers  to  imagine. 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PHOPHKCY. 


24;', 


cd  with  hii? 

:  his  shim- 
More  than 
1  secure  it. 
My  own 
■e  is  Olara  ? 

eath,  firmly 
cd  furiously 
B  extremity 
ssuinjr  h-om 
ood  his  re- 
!  array  met 
advanced  in 
ng  him  pri- 
it  might  be 
tly  heard  in 
igcd  echoes 
it,  and  met 
the  sight  of 

not !"  mutr 
I'cre  ftrepar- 
th  wei'c,  Jn- 

of  all  youi 
idi.shing  h'\» 
t  his  blow* 
out  his  per 
>urse  of  th« 

's  of  the  re- 
fellows !    If 

limself  from 
X'ssarily  left 
ith  him  and 
ut  consider- 
lands ;  after 
'  lashed  to  a 
id  been  sent 
iimeiiced  ra- 
of  warriors 
i  gained  the 
belovedj  wa 


CHAPTER  XXXITI. 

Tun  morning  of  the  next  day  dnwiu'd  on  few  wlio  had  pressed  ilr.ir  custo- 
mary couchc;S — on  none,  whose  luverish   pulse  and  bloodshot  eye  failed   tc 
Attest  the  utter  sleo|)lessness  in  which  theni;iiit  had  been  passed.'   Numerous 
^••oups  of  men  were  to  be  seen  asseuibliug  nlier  the  reveille,  in  various  parts 
uT  the  barrack  square — those  wiu)  had  borne  a  part  io  the  recent  expetlilion 
commingling  with  those  who  had  not.  and   recoiuiting  to  the  latt«'r.  with 
mournful  look  and  voice,  the  cireuuistances  connected  with  the  bereavement 
of  their  universally  lamented  otlicei-.     As  none,  however,  had  .seen  the  blow 
struck  that  deprived  him  of  life,  although  each  had  heard  the  iVantic  e.xelaiiiii- 
tions  of  a  voice  that  iiail  been  recognised  ibr  Kllen   llalloway's.  much  ol'  the 
niarvellous  was  necessarily  mixed  «)>  with  truth  in   their  narrative. — somt 
positively  affirming  Mr.  de  Iluidiuiar  had  not  oiu-e  (piilted  his  party,  and  (kv 
daring  that  nothing  short  of  a  supernatural  a.uency  could  have  transported 
him  unnoticed  to  the  fatal  spot,  where,  in  their  advance,  they  had  beheld  him 
murdered.     The  singular  appearance  of  Kilen  llalloway  ahso.  at  that  niomeul, 
on  the  very  bridge  on  which  she  had  pronounced  her  curse  on  the  family  oi 
l)e  liuldimar,  and  in  company  wilh  the   terrible  and  mysterious  being  who 
had  borne  her  oH"  in  triumph  on  that  occasion   to  the  forest,  and  under  cir- 
cumstancies  calculated  to  excite  the  most  supei'stitious  ini]>iessions,  was  not 
without  its  weight   n  determining  their  rude  s))eculations ;  and  all  coneiuied 
in  opinion,  that  the  death  of  the  unlbitunate  yoinigoliicer  was  a  judgment  on 
their  colonel  for  the  little  mercy  he  had  extended  to  the  noble-hearted  ilai- 
loway. 

Then  followed  allusion  to  their  captive,  whose  gigantic  statme  and  elloits 
at  escape,  tremendous  even  as  the  latter  were,  were  duly  exa;:gerated  by  eacii. 
with  the  very  laudable  view  of  claiming  a  proportionate  share  ol  eretlil  Ibr 
his  own  individual  exertions  ;  ard  many  and  various  were  the  opinions  ex- 
preiised  as  to  the  manner  of  dea'.h  he  sliould  be  maile  to  sull'er.  Aninii;^-  the 
most  conspicuous  of  the  orators  were  those  with  whom  oin-  readers  have  al- 
r»;ady  made  slight  acquaintance  in  oui-  aticcMuil  of  the  soi-tie  by  ('.aplaiu  Krs- 
kiiie's  company  for  the  recovery  of  thesujiposed  body  of  Frederick  de  llaldimai. 
One  was  for  impaling  him  alive,  and  .setting  him  up  lo  rot  on  the  plairorm 
above  the  gate.  Another  for  blowing  him  from  the  muzzle  of  a  twenty-four 
pounder,  into  the  centre  of  the  tirst  band  of  Indians  that  ajiproached  the 
fort,  that  thus  perceiving  they  had    est  the  strength  and  sinew  of  their  cun- 

nng  war,  they  might  be  the  more  easily  ^.iduced  to  propose  terms  ot  \w»r.*i, 

\  .'bird  was  of  opinion  he  ought  to  be  chained  to  the  top  of  the  tlag-statV.  ai 
a  f,arget,  to  be  shot  at  with  arrows  only,  contriving  never  to  touch  a  mortal 
part.  A  fourth  would  have  had  him  tied  naked  over  the  sharp  s]tikes  thai 
constituted  the  chevaux-de-frize  garnishing  the  sides  of  the  drawbridge. 
Each  devised  some  new  death — pioposed  .some  new  torture  ;  but  all  were  of 
opinion,  that  simply  to  be  shot,  or  even  to  be  hanged,  was  too  merciful  a  pun- 
ishment for  the  wretch  who  had  so  wantonly  and  inhumanly  butchered  tha 
kind-hearted,  gentle-mannered  ollicer,  whom  they  had  almost  all  known  and 
loved  from  his  very  boA'hood ;  and  they  looked  forward,  with  mingled  anxiety 


i 


III       ■ 


244 


WACOrSTA.  01?,  THK  VUCVUT.CT 


anrt  venKcanco,  to  ttie  moment  when,  summoned  as  it  v.  ds  expected  heshortlj 
vronid  be,  before  the  assembled  garrison,  he  would  be  made  to  expiate  the 
•trocit/  with  hi.s  blood. 

While  the  men  thus  gave  indulgence  to  their  indignation  and  their  grief, 
their  officers  were  even  more  painfully  affcrtcd.  The  body  of  the  ill-fated 
Charles  hud  been  borne  to  his  apartment,  wheio,  divested  of  its  disguise,  it 
liad  again  been  inducted  in  such  apparel  as  was  deemed  suited  to  the  purpose. 
Extended  on  the  very  bed  on  which  he  lay  at  the  moment  when  she,  whose 
maniac  raving,  and  forcible  detention,  had  been  the  immediate  cause  of  hif: 
destruction,  had  preferred  her  wild  but  fruitless  supplication  for  mercy,  ht 
exhibited,  even  in  death,  the  same  Jeli-ate  beauty  that  had  characterised  him 
on  thflt  occasion  ;  yet,  with  a  mildnuss  and  serenity  of  expression  on  his  still, 
pale  features,  strongly  in  contrast  with  the  agitation  and  glow  of  excitement 
that  then  distinginshed  him. 

Around  the  bed  were  grouped  nearly  all  the  officers,  standing  in  attitudes 
indicative  of  anxiety  and  interest,  and  gazing  mournfully  on  the  placid  fea- 
tures of  their  ill-fated  friend.  All,  on  entering,  moved  noiselessly  over  the 
rude  floor,  as  though  fearful  of  disturbing  the  repose  of  one  who  merely  slum 
bered ;  and  the  snme  precaution  was  extended  to  the  brief  but  heart-felt 
expressions  of  sorrow  that  passed  from  one  to  the  other,  as  they  gazed  on  ail 
that  remained  of  the  gentle  De  Ilaldimar. 

Gradually  the  officers  moved  away  in  the  same  noiseless  manner  they  had 
anproachcd,  either  in  pursuance  of  their  several  duties,  or  to  make  their  toilet 
of  the  morning.  Two  only  of  their  number  remaining  near  the  couch  of 
death. 

*'  I'oor  unfortunate  De  Haldimar !"  observed  one  of  these,  in  a  low  tone,  as 
if  speaking  to  himself;  "too  fatally,  indeed,  have  your  forebodings  been  real- 
ized ;  and  what  I  considered,  as  the  mere  despondency  of  a  mind  crushed  into 
feebleness  by  an  accumulation  of  sufferingJWas,  after  all,  but  the  first  presen- 
timent of  a  death  no  human  power  might  avert.  By  heaven  !  I  would  giv« 
up  half  my  own  being  to  be  able  to  reanimate  that  lorm  once  more — but  the 
wish  is  vain." 

"  Who  shall  announce  the  intelligence  to  his  sister  ?"  sighed  his  companion. 
"  Never  will  that  already  nearly  heart-broken  girl  be  able  to  survive  the  shock 
of  her  brother's  death.     Blegsington,  you  are  alone  fitted  to  such  a  task  ;  and 
painful  as  it  is,  you  must  undertake  it.     Is  the  colonel  apprised  of  the  dread 
ful  truth,  do  you  know  ?" 

"  He  is.  It  was  told  him  at  the  moment  of  our  arrival  last  night ;  but 
from  the  little  outward  emotion  displayed  by  him.  I  should  be  tempted  to 
infer  he  had  almost  anticipated  .some  such  catastrophe." 

"  Poor,  poor  Charles !"  bitterly  exclaimed  Sir  Everard  Valletort — for  it  vva.> 
he.  "  What  would  I  not  give  to  recal  the  rude  mannei"  in  which  1  spurnnJ 
you  fiom  me  last  night.  But,  alas!  what  could  1  do,  laden  with  such  a  uusi. 
and  pursued,  without  the  power  of  defence,  by  such  an  enemy  ?  Little,  in- 
deed, did  I  imagine  what  was  so  speedily  to  be  your  doonj !  BJessington,"  ho 
pursued,  with  increa.sed  emotion, ''  it  grieves  tut  to  wretchedness  to  think  that 
he.  whom  I  loved  as  though  he  had  Wn  my  twi^'  brother,  should  have  uer 
mhvn  with  his  last  thoughts,  perhaps,  lingering  on  the  seeming  unkindneaa 
with  which  I  had  erected  him  after  so  anxious  au  abseuoe  " 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  I'KOPnECY. 


of  hit 


245 


«  Nny,  if  there  bo  blame,  it  must  attad*  to  me."  sorrowfully  observed  Cap. 
tain  Blcssmgton.  "  Had  Erskiue  and  myself  not  retired  before  the  savage  a» 
we  did,  our  unfortunate  friend  would  in  all  probabi'=^y  have  been  alive  at  this 
Tery  hour.  But  in  our  anxiety  to  draw  the  former  into  the  ainbuiK-adc  w« 
had  prepared  for  him,  we  utterly  overlooked  that  Charles  was  not  i-etrealinK 
with  us."  * 

"  How  happened  it,"  demanded  Sir  Everard.  his  attention  naturally  directed 
to  the  subject  by  the  preceding  remarks,  "  that  you  lay  thus  in  arabuscade, 
when  the  object  of  the  expedition,  as  solicited  by  Fre<lerick  de  Ualdimar  was 
an  attempt  to  reach  us  in  the  encampment  of  the  Indians?"  ' 

"  It  certainly  was  under  that  impression  we  left  the  fort ;  but  on  comin^'  to 
the  spot  where  the  friendly  Indian  lay  waiting  to  conduct  us.  he  proposcd^tho 
plan  we  subsequently  adopted  as  the  most  likely,  not  only  to  secure  the  es- 
cape of  the  prisoners,  whom  he  pledged  himself  to  liberate,  but  to  defend  our- 
selves with  advantage  against  \Vacousta  and  the  immediate  guard  set  over 
them,  should  they  follow  in  pursuit.     Erskine  approving,  a«  well  as  myself, 
of  the  plan,  we  halted  at  the  bridge,  and  disposed  of  om-  men  under  each  ex- 
tremity ;  so  that  if  attacked  by  the  Indians  in  front,  we  might  be  enabled  to 
throw  them  into  confusion  by  taking  tliem  in  rear,  as  they  Hung  themselves 
upon  the  bridge.    The  event  seemed  to  answer  our  expectations.    The  alarm 
raised  in  the  encampment  vsatislied  us  the  young  Indian  had  contrived  to  fulhl 
his  promise ;  and  we  momentarily  looked  for  the  appearance  of  those  whose 
tiight  we  naturally  supposed  would  be  directed  towards  the  bridge.    To  or«f 
great  surprise,  however,  we  remarked  that  the  sounds  of  pursuit,  instead  of 
approaching  us,  seemed  to  take  an  opposite  direction,  apparently  towards  the 
point  whence  we  had  seen  the  prisoners  disembarked  in  the  morning.    At 
length,  when  almost  tempted  to  regiet  we  had  not  pushed  boldly  on,  in  con- 
formity with  oui"  first  intention,  we  heard  the  shrill  cries  of  a  woman  ;  and 
long  afterward.s,  the  sounds  of  human  feet  rushing  down  the  slope.     \v  na. 
oiu*  sensations  were,  you  may  imagine ;  for  we  all  believed  it  to  be  either 
Clara  or  Madeline  ae  Ualdimar  tleeing  alone,  and  pursued  by  our  ferocious 
enemies.    To  show  ourselves  would,  we  were  sensible,  be  to  ensure  tlie  deatl 
o*"  the  pursued,  before  we  could  possibly  come  up  ;  and  although  it  was  witl 
difficulty  we  repressed  the  desire  to  rush  forward  to  the  rescue,  our  better 
judgment  prevailed.    Finally  we  saw  you  approach,  followed  closely  by  what 
appealed  to  be  a  mere  boy  of  an  Indian,  and  at  a  considerable  distance,  by 
the  tall  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Li.^.     We  imagined  there  was  time  enough 
for  you  to  gain  the  bridge ;  and  finding  your  more  formidable  pursuer  was 
only  accompanied  hy  the  youth  already  alluded  to,  conctive<i  at  that  moment 
the  design  of  making  him  our  prisojier.    Still  there  were  half  i  dozen  rau.s- 
kets  ready  to  be  levelled  on  him  should  ho  approach  too  near  to  his  fugitives, 
or  manifest  any  other  design  than  that  of  simply  re-capturing  them.    How 
well  our  plan  succeeded  you  ai-e  aware  ;  but.  alas  !"  r.nd  he  glanced  sorrow- 
fully at  the  corpse,  "  why  was  our  success  to  be  embittered  by  so  great  a  sac 
rifice?" 

"  Ah,  would  to  heaven  that  he  at  least  had  been  spnrcd,"  sighed  Sir  Eve- 
rard, as  he  took  the  wan  white  hand  of  of  his  friend  in  his  own  ;  "  an<l  yet  I 
know  not ;  he  looks  so  calm,  so  happy  in  death,  it  is  almost  selfish  to  repine 
lie  has  escaped  the  horrors  that  still  await  us  in  this  drea<lful  wiufare.  Hut 
wbat  of  Frederidk  and  Madeline  de  Ualduuar  1  From  the  statumeut  ^ou  hava 


"^.l 


240 


WACOUSTA,  Oli,  'L'UE  I'KOPUECY, 


M 


gfvnn.  tliey  must  have  been  lihoiated  by  th':  yoiinjr  Ottawa  before  he  came  to 
nie ;  yet,  vlial  could  have  induced  thcui  to  have  taken  a  course  of  llight  ho 
•"•     )siti-  to  tliat  wliicl'  promised  their  only  chance  oi'  safety  ?" 

Heaven  uuly  knowTs,"  returned  Captain  Blessiugton.  "1  fear  they  hav« 
again  hceii  le-captnicd  }»y  the  «;ava(?e8;  in  which  chs"  \Mr  doom  is  scarcely 
doubtful ;  unless,  indeed,  our  prisoner  of  last  night  be  given  up  in  exclianj^t 
for  them." 

"  Tlien  Nvill  their  liberty  be  purcliased  at  a  tcnible  price."  remarked  the 
baronet.  ''  Will  you  believe,  lilessington.  that  that  man,  whose  enmity  to 
our  colonel  secuis  almost  devilish,  was  once  an  othcer  in  this  very  regiment  ?" 

''  You  astonish  me.  Valletoi-t.  Impossible  !  and  yet  it  has  always  been  ap- 
parent to  me  they  wei-e  once  associates,'' 

"  I  heard  him  relate  his  history  only  last  nijrht  to  Clara,  whoni  he  had  the 
audacity  to  sully  with  proposals  to  become  his  bride,"  puKMied  the  baronet. 
''  His  tale  was  a  most  extraordinary  one.  He  narrated  it,  however,  only  up  to 
the  period  wlidi  the  life  of  De  llaldimar  was  attempted  by  him  at  Quebec. 
But  with  his  subsequent  history  we  are  all  well  acquainted,  throu};h  the  fame 
of  his  bloody  atrocities  in  all  the  posts  that  have  fallen  into  the  liands  of  Pon- 
teac.  'J'hut  man.  savage  and  even  liendish  as  he  now  is.  was  once  possessed 
of  the  noblest  (pialities.  I  am  sorry  to  say  it,  but  Colonel  de  Haldimai  has 
brought  this  jiresent  ailliction  upon  himself.  At  some  future  period  1  will 
t«:ll  you  all." 

"  Alas  !"  said  Captain  Blessington.  "  poor  Charles,  then,  has  been  made  to 
pay  the  penalty  of  his  father's  eriois  ,  and.  certainly,  the  greatest  of  then* 
was  his  dooming  the  unfortunate  Halloway  to  death  in  the  manner  he  did." 

••  What  think  you  of  tlie  fact  of  Halloway  being  the  nephew  of  this  ex- 
traordinary man,  and  both  of  high  family  ?"  demanded  Sir  Everard. 

"  Indeed  !  and  was  the  latter,  thou,  aware  of  the  connection  ?" 

•'  Not  until  last  night,"  replied  Sir  Everard.  '•  Some  ob.servations  made  by 
the  wretched  wife  of  Halloway,  in  the  course  of  which  she  named  his  true 
name,  (which  was  that  of  the  wanior  also.)  first  indicated  the  fact  to  the 
latter.     But  what  became  of  that  unfortunate  creature  ? — was  she  brought 


in  ?" 


•'  T  understand  not,"  said  Captain  "Blessington.  "  In  the  confu.sion  and 
hurry  oi'  securing  our  prisoner,  and  the  appi-ehension  of  immediate  attacl^ 
from  his  wa  "iors,  Ellen  was  entirely  oveilooked.  Some  of  my  men  say 
they  left  her  lying,  insensilde,  on  the  spot  whence  they  had  raised  the  body 
of  our  unfortunate  fiend,  which  they  had  some  difficulty  in  releasing  from  her 
convulsive  embrace.  But,  hark  1  there  is  the  first  drum  for  paiade,  and  [ 
have  not  yet  exchanged  my  Indian  garb." 

Captain  Blessington  now  quitted  the  room,  and  Sir  Everard,  relieved  fjom 
the  restraining  prtssence  of  his  companions,  gave  free  vent  to  his  emotion, 
thiowing  himseU'  upon  the  body  of  his  friend,  and  giving  utterance  to  the 
feelings  of  anguish  that  oj)})ressed  his  heart. 

He  had  continued  some  minutes  in  this  position,  when  he  fancied  he  felt  the 
warm  teai's  ol'  a  human  being  bedewing  a  hand  that  reposed  on  the  neck  of 
his  unfortunate  (Viend.  He  looked  up,  and  to  his  infinite  surprise,  behel4 
(^Mara  de  Haldima'*  standing  before  hiuj  at  the  opposite  side  of  Mn^  bed.  Hff 
likene3s  to  her  brother,  at  that  momer.t.  was  so  striking,  that  for  a  second  or. 
two^  the  irrejjressible  thou^^lit  pabsud  Lhrougii  the  uiiud  of  the  oliicei';  it  wtti 


V.  A*.  OUST  A,  va,  'iiiJi  I'KUi^iUity. 


catne  to 

tlight  no 

ley  hav« 
scarcely 

'Kerl  fh« 

miiity  to 

IIK'IU  T' 

been  ap- 

inr]  the 

>!Uonet. 

'y  up  to 

'it'  fume 
of  Pon- 

osst'ssed 
mai  has 
)d  I  will 

made  to 
of  the.«« 
\i  di.l." 
this  CX-. 


nadc  by 

liis  ti'ue 

to  the 

brouglit 

on  and 
attach 
en  say 
16  body 
om  her 
,  and  [ 

d  fioni 
notion, 
to  the 

tilt  iJie 
ixjk  of 
3ehel4 

>nd  or. 

t  wm 


247 


not  a  hvnig  heing  he  gazed  upon,  "but  the  hnnmtorial  siMiit  of  his  friend  TI.a 
whole  attitude  and  appearance  of  the  wretched  -irl.  indcpendentiv  of  the  hct 
01  her  noiseless  entrance,  tended  to  favor  tlie  doUision.  Her  leatuies  of  an 
ashy  paleness,  seemed  tixyd,  even  as  those  of  the  corpse  beneath  him-  -uul 
but  lor  the  tears  that  coursed  silently  down  her  cheek,  there  was  scarceu'  •u. 
outward  evidence  of  emotion.  •  ' 

"You  are  surprised  to  see  me  here,  mingling  my  grief  with  yours,  Sir  Kvo- 
rard,'  she  at  length  observed,  with  the  same  calm  mien,  and  in  tones  of  t..u.l,- 
jng  sweetness.  "  I  came  here  with  my  fatlier's  permission,  to  take  a  last  liiiv- 
well  of  hmi  who.se  death  has  broken  my  heart.  I  expect<'d  to  be  alone;  bui— 
my,  do  not  go,"  she  added,  perceiving  that  the  olHcer  was  about  to  diDart 
"  Had  you  not  been  here.  I  should  have  sent  for  jou  •  for  we  have  butJi  s 
«8<'red  duty  to  perform      iMav  1  ask  yonr  hand  ?" 

Uismayed  at  her  collected  manner,  the  young  oflicer  go.zed  at  her  with  the 
deepest  sorrow  depicted  in  every  line  of  his  own  countenance.  He  extended 
his  hand,  and  Clara  to  his  surprise,  grasped  and  pressed  it  iirmly. 

''  It  was  the  wish  of  tliis  poor  boy  that  his  Clara  should  bo  the  wife  of  hia 
friend.  Sir  Everard.     Did  he  ever  express  such  to  you  V" 

"  I .  was  the  fondest  desire  of  his  lieart,"  returned  the  baronet,  unable  to  ro- 
Btrain  the  emotion  of  joy  thnt  mingled  despite  of  himself,  with  his  worst  ap- 
prehensions. 

'•  I  need  not  ask  how  you  received  his  proposal,"  continued  Clara,  with  the 
same  calmness  of  manner.  "  Last  night,"  she  pursued  solemnly,  "I  was  the 
bride  ol'  the  murderer  of  my  brother,  of  die  lover  oi"  my  mother, — to-morrow 
night  1  may  be  the  bride  of  death  ;  but  to-night  1  am  the  bride  of  my  brother'a 
friend.  V'es,  here  I  am  come  to  pledge  myself  to  the  fullihnent  of  his  wish. 
If  you  deem  a  heart-l)roken  givl  not  unworthy  of  you.  I  am  your  wife,  Sir 
Kverard  ;  and,  recollect,  it  is  a  solemn  pledge,  that  which  a  sister  gives  over 
the  lifeless  body  of  her  brother,  beloved  as  this  has  been." 

'•  Uh.  Clara — dearest  Clara,"  passionately  exclaimed  the  excited  young  man, 
"  if  a  lil'e  devoted  to  yonr  happiness  can  repay  you  for  this,  count  upon  it  an 
you  woul<i  upon  your  eternal  salvation.  In  you  will  I  love  both  my  friend 
and  the  sister  he  has  bequeathed  to  me.  Clara,  my  betrothed  wife,  sunuuon 
all  the  energies  of  your  nature  to  susiain  this  cruel  shock  ;  and  exert  yourself 
for  him  who  will  be  to  you  both  a  brother  and  a  husband." 

As  he  spoke  he  drew  the  unresisting  girl  towards  him,  and,  locking  her  in 
his  embrace,  pressed,  for  the  tirst  time,  the  lips,  which  it  had  maddened  him 
the  precceding  night  to  see  polluted  by  the  forcible  kis.ses  of  Wacousta,     But 
Claiai  shared  not,  but  merely  sullered  his  momentary  happiness.     Her  cheek 
wore  not  the  crimson  of  excitement,  neither  were  her  tears  discontinued.   She- 
Keen.ed  as  one  who  mechanically  submitted  to  what  slie  had  no  power  of  re- 
sistance to  oppo.se;  and  even  in  the  embrace  of  her  alliauced  husband,  she  ex- 
hibited the  same  death-like  calm  that  had  startled  him  at  her  tirst  a;)pearance.' 
Religion  could  not  hallow  a  purer  feeling  than  that  which  had  impelled  t)i6' 
a.;tion  of  the  young  ofKcer.     The  very  consciousness  of  the  .sacred  pledge  hav-' 
iag  been  exchanged  over  the  coi-pse  of  his  friend,  imparted  a  holiness  of  fervor 
to  his  mind  ;  and  even  while  he  pressed  her.  wliora  he  secretly  swore  to  love 
with  all  the  affection  of  a  fond  brother  and  a  husband  united,  he  felt  t)iat  if' 
•lie  spirit  of  him,  who  slept  uucouicious  of  the  scene,  were  suilered  to  linger 
iie&tji  it  wtJUid  be  to  hallow  it  with  approval.       ..    ..    . 


24S 


WAC0U8TA,  OR,  TUB  PROPflECY. 


«  An'i  now,*'  said  Clara  at  length,  yet  without  attempting  to  disonntge  her- 
self,—"  now  that  wo  are  united,  I  would  be  alone  with  mj  brother.  My  hu»* 
tMmd,  leave  me." 

Deeply  touched  at  the  name  of  husband,  Sir  Everard  could  not  refrain  from 
imprinting  another  kiss  on  the  lips  that  uttered  it.  He  then  gently  disengaged 
himself  from  his  lovely  but  suffering  charge,  whom  he  deposited  with  her  head 
resting  on  the  bed ;  and  making  a  signifieant  motion  of  his  hand  to  the  woman, 
who.  as  well  as  old  Morrison,  had  been  spectators  of  the  whule  scene,  stole 

Sently  from  the  apartment,  under  what  emotions  of  joy  and  ginef  it  would  be 
ifficult  to  describe. 


he[ 
ma| 
the 

del 
to 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

It  was  the  eighth  hour  of  morning,  and  both  ofSccrs  and  men,  quitting  their 
fll-relished  meal,  were  to  be  seen  issuing  to  the  parade,  where  the  monotonous 
roll  of  the  astemblie  now  summoned  them.  Presently  the  garrison  was  formed, 

E resenting  three  equal  sides  of  a  square.  The  vacant  space  fronted  the  guard 
ouse,  near  one  extremity  of  which  was  to  be  seen  a  flight  of  steps  commum< 
Mting  with  the  rampart,  where  the  flag-staf^  was  erected.  Scvc  ral  men  wen 
•mployod  at  this  stalt,  passing  strong  ropes  through  iron  pulleys  that  na.4 
suspended  from  the  extreme  top,  while  in  the  liascment  of  the  staff  itself,  to  a 
height  of  about  twenty  feet,  were  stuck  at  intervals  strong  wooden  pegs  serv» 
ing  as  steps  to  the  artillerymen  for  greater  facility  in  clearing  when  foul,  the 
lines  to  which  the  colors  were  attached.  The  latter  had  been  removed ;  and, 
from  the  substitution  of  a  cord  considerably  stronger  than  that  which  usually 
appeared  there,  it  seemed  as  if  some  far  heavier  weight  was  about  to  be  ap- 
pended to  it.  Gradually  the  men,  having  completed  their  usual  preparations, 
quitted  the  rampart,  and  the  flag-stall  which  was  of  tapering  pine,  was  left 
totally  unguarded. 

The  "  Attention  I"  of  Major  Blackwater  to  the  troops,  who  had  been  hitherto 
standing  in  attitudes  of  expectancy  that  rendered  the  injunction  almost  super- 
fluous, announced  the  approach  of  the  governor.  Soon  afterwards  that  officer 
enter^  the  area,  wearing  his  characteristic  dignity  of  manner,  yet  exhibiting 
every  evidence  of  one  who  had  suffered  deeply.  Preparation  for  a  drum-head 
cnurt-martial.  as  in  the  case  of  Halloway,  had  already  been  made  within  the 
square,  and  tne  only  actor  wanting  in  the  drama  was  he  who  was  to  be  tried. 

Once  Colonel  de  Haldimar  made  an  effort  to  command  his  appearance,  but 
the  huskiness  of  his  voice  choked  his  utterance,  and  he  was  compelled  to  pause. 
After  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  he  again  ordered,  but  in  a  voice  that  was 
remarked  to  falter, — 

"  Mr.  Lawson,  let  the  prisoner  be  brought  forth." 

The  feeling  of  suspense  that  ensued  between  the  delivery  and  execution  of 
this  command  was  painful  throughout  the  ranks.  AH  were  penetrated  with 
curiosity  to  behold  a  man  who  had  several  times  appeared  to  thcin  under  the 
most  appalling  circumstances,  and  against  whom  the  strongest  feeling  of  indig- 
nation had  been  excited  for  his  barbarous  murder  of  Charles  de  Haldimar.  It 
was  with  mingled  awe  and  anger  they  now  awaited  his  approach.  At  length 
the  captive  was  seen  advancing  from  the  cell  in  whidi  he  had  been  coniined« 


WACOrSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnECY. 


lisonMgelier- 
lei-.  My  hua- 

t  refrain  from 
ly  disengaged 
rith  her  head 
f)  the  woman, 
e  scene,  stole 
f  it  would  be 


2*9 


jnitting  their 
monotonous 
I  was  formed, 
ed  the  guard 
ps  communK 
al  men  wen 
y^s  that  Ka.4 
iff  itself,  to  a 
n  pegs  serv» 
hen  foul,  the 
moved;  and, 
Ihich  usually 
ut  to  be  ap- 
trepa  rations, 
ne,  was  left 

een  hitherto 

most  super- 

that  officer 

exhibiting 

drum-head 

within  the 

to  be  tried. 

arance,  but 

id  to  pause. 

Q  that  waa 


ecution  of 
rated  with 
under  the 
g  of  indig- 
dimar.  It 
At  length 
confined^ 


We  gigantic  form  towering  fiir  above  those  of  the  guard  of  grenadiers  by  whom 
he  was  surrounded ;  and  with  a  haughtiness  in  his  air,  and  insoloncc  in  hia 
manner,  that  told  he  came  to  confront  his  enemy  with  a  spirit  unsubdued  by 
the  fate  that  too  probably  awaited  him.  ^ 

Many  an  eye  was  turned  upon  the  governor  at  that  moment.  lie  was  evi- 
dently struggling  for  composure  to  meet  the  scene  he  felt  it  to  be  impossible 
to  avoid ;  and  he  turned  pale  and  paler  as  his  enemy  drew  near. 

At  length  the  prisoner  stood  nearly  on  the  same  spot  where  his  inifortunate 
iiephew  had  lingered  on  a  former  occasion,  lie  was  unchained ;  but  his  hands 
were  firmly  secured  behind  his  back.  Ho  threw  himself  into  an  attitude  of 
carelessness,  resting  on  one  foot,  and  tapping  the  earth  with  the  otiier ;  rivet- 
ing his  eye,  at  the  same  time,  with  an  expression  of  the  most  daring  insolence, 
on  the  governor,  while  his  swarthy  cheek  was  moreover  lighted  up  with  a 
smile  of  the  deepest  scorn. 

"  You  are  Reginald  Morton  the  outlaw,  I  believe,"  at  length  observed  the 
governor  in  an  uncertain  tone,  that,  however,  acquired  greater  firmness  as  he 
proceeded, — "  one  whose  life  has  already  been  forfeited  through  his  treasona- 
ble practices  in  Europe,  and  who  has,  moreover,  incurred  the  penalty  of  an 
ignominious  death,  by  acting  as  a  spy  of  the  enemies  of  England.  What  say 
you,  Reginald  Morton,  that  you  should  not  be  convicted  in  the  death  that 
awaits  the  traitor?'* 

"Ha!  ha!  by  heaven,  such  cold,  pompous  insolence  amuses  me,'*  vociferated 
Wacousta.    ''  It  reminds  me  of  Ensign  de  Ilaldimar  of  nearly  five  and  twenty 
years  back,  who  was  then  as  cunning  a  dissembler  as  he  is  now."    Suddenly 
changing  his  ribald  tone  to  one  of  scorn  and  rage : — •'  You  believe  me,  you  say, 
to  be  Reginald  Morton,  the  outlaw.    Well  do  you  know  it.    I  am  that  Sir 
Reginald  Morton,  who  became  an  outlaw,  not  through  his  own  crimes,  but 
through  your  villany.  Ay,  frown  as  you  may,  I  heed  it  not.  You  may  award 
lae  death,  but  fthall  not  chain  my  tongue.    To  your  whole  regiment  do  I  pro* 
cTaim  you  for  a  false,  remorseless  villam.'-   Then  turning  his  llLshiug  eye  A.Oiig 
the  ranks : — "  I  was  once  an  officer  in  this  corps,  and  long  before  any  of  you 
wore  the  accursed  uniform.     That  man,  that  fiend,  affected  to  be  my  friend  j . 
and  under  the  guise  of  friendship,  stole  into  the  heart  I  loved  better  than  my 
own  life.     Yes,"  fervently  pursued  the  excited  prisoner,  stamping  violently 
with  his  foot  upon  the  earth,  "  he  robbed  me  of  my  affianced  wife ;  and  for 
that  I  resented  an  outrage  that  should  have  banished  him  to  some  lone  region, 
where  he  might  never  again  pollute  human  nature  with  his  presence — he 
caused  me  to  be  tried  by  a  court-martial,  and  dismissed  the  service.    Then, 
indeed,  I  became  the  outlaw  he  has  described,  but  not  until  then.    Now, 
Colonel  de  Haldimar,  that  I  have  proclaimed  your  infamy,  poor  and  inefficient 
as  the  triumph  be,  do  your  worst — I  ask  no  mercy.    Yesterday  I  thought 
that  yoars  of  toilsome  pursuit  of  the  means  of  vengeance  were  about  to  be 
crowued  with  siJccess ;  but  fate  has  turned  the  tables  on  me,  and  I  yield." 

To  all  but  the  baronet  and  Captain  Blessington  this  declaration  was  pro- 
ductive of  the  utmost  surprise.  Every  eye  was  turned  upon  the  colonel.  He 
grew  impatient  under  the  scrutiny,  and  demanded  if  the  court,  who  mean- 
while had  been  deliberating,  satisfied  of  the  guilt  of  the  prisoner,  had  come  to  a 
d3cision  in  regard  to  his  punishment.  An  affirmative  answer  was  givea,  and 
Colonel  de  Haldimar  proceeded. 


/ 


250 


V.ACOUb'iA,  Ol;,  THE  l-l»CPll£Ct. 


••  Reginald  MortOii.  with  the  private  iiii,>rortuuc,s  of  your  former  life  wu  li.tve 
nothing  to  do.  It  is  ili'  (Iccisiou  of  this  court,  who  are  merely  met  oiU  of 
form,  that  you  sutler  immediate  death  hy  lian-iin,;;,  as  a  Just  recompense  for 
your  double  treason  to  your  co-intry.  There."  and  he  pointed  to  the  lla<;- 
Blalf,  "  will  you  be  exhibited  to  t  le  niis^iuitled  people  whom  your  wicked 
trtiflcos  have  stin-ed  up  into  hostility  ai-ain^it  us.  When  they  behold  your 
fate,  they  will  take  wainui;:' from  your  example  ;  and,  lindinir  we  have  heads 
and  arms  not  to  sull'er  oU'ence  with  impinnly,  be  more  readily  brought  to 
obediencfc." 

"  I  understand  your  allusion,"  coolly  rejoined  Waeonsta,  glancing  earnestly 
at,  and  apparently  measurmg  with  his  eye.  the  dimensions  of  the  conspicuous 
ecatfold  on  which  ho  was  to  .sull'er.  "  You  had  ever  a  calculating  head,  De 
Ilaldiraar,  where  any  secret  villany,  anything  to  promote  your  own  selfish 
ends,  was  to  be  gained  by  it }  but  your  calculation  .seems  now,  raethinks,  a< 
fault." 

Colonel  De  Ilaldimar  looked  at  him  enquiringly. 

•'  You  have  still  &  son  left,"  pursued  the  prisoner  with  the  same  recklessness 
of  manner,  and  in  a  tone  denoting  allusion  to  him  who  was  no  more,  that 
caused  an  universal  shudder  throughout  the  ranks.  "  lie  is  in  the  liands  of 
the  Ottawa  Indians,  and  I  am  the  friend  of  their  great  chief,  inferior  only  in 
power  among  the  tribe  to  himself.  Think  you  that  he  will  see  me  hanged  up 
like  a  dog,  and  fail  to  avenge  my  disgraceful  death  ?" 

"  Ila !  presumptuous  renegade,  is  this  the  deep  game  you  have  in  view  1 
Hope  you  then  to  stipulate  for  the  preservation  of  a  life  every  way  forfeite  I 
to  the  offended  justice  of  your  country  ?  Dare  you  to  cheri.sh  the  belief,  thai 
afier  the  horrible  threats  so  often  denounced  by  you,  you  will  again  be  let 
loose  upon  a  career  of  critne  and  blood  ?" 

"  None  of  your  cant,  De  Ilaldimar,  as  I  once  observed  to  you  before." 
<x>olly  retoited  VVacousta,  with  bitter  sarcasm.  "  Consult  your  own  heart, 
and  ask  if  its  catalogue  of  crime  be  not  far  greater  than  my  own  :  yet  I  ask 
not  my  life.  I  would  but  have  the  manner  of  my  fate  altered,  and  faui 
would  die  the  death  of  the  soldier  I  W(is  before  you  rendered  me  the  wreteh 
I  am.  Methinks  the  boon  is  not  so  great,  if .  \e  restoration  of  your  son  be  ilio 
price" 

"  Do  you  mean,  then,"  eagerly  returned  the  governor,  "  that  if  the  mere 
mode  of  your  death  be  changed,  my  son  shall  be  restored  ?" 

"  1  do,"  was  the  calm  reply. 

"  What  pledge  have  we  of  the  fact  ?  What  faith  can  we  repose  in  th"  word 
of  a  fiend,  whose  brutal  vengeance  has  already  sacrificed  the  gentlest  life  that 
ever  animated  human  clay?"  Here  the  emotion  of  the  governor  almost 
choked  his  utterance,  and  considerable  agitation  and  murnniring  weic  mani- 
fested in  the  ranks. 

*•  Gentle,  .said  you  ?"  replied  the  pri.soner,  musingly;  "  then  did  he  re.sem- 
ble  his  mother,  whom  I  loved,  even  as  his  brother  resembles  yon,  whom  I 
have  .so  much  rea.son  to  hate.  Had  I  known  the  boy  to  be  what  Von  descnbe, 
I  might  have  felt  some  touch  of  i)ity  even  while  I  delayed  not  to  .strike  his 
death  blow;  but  the  false  moonlight  deceived  me.  and  the  detested  name  of 
De  Ilaldimar,  pronounced  by  the  lips  of  my  nephew's  wife — that  wife  whom 
your  cold  blooded  severity  liad  widowed  and  diiven  mad — was  in  ittielf  suffl- 
cieut  to  uufeiurc  his  dooiii^" 


mor  life  \vu  have 
ncly  met  oii(  of 
;  recompense  for 
ted  to  the  llsifj;- 
iii  your  wicked 
liey  behold  your 
:  we  have  heads 
idily  brought  to 

uncing  earnestly 
the  conspicuous 
dating  head.  Do 
our  own  selHsh 
>w,  mcthinks,  a< 


ime  recklessness 
IS  no  more,  that 
in  tho  han<ls  of 
',  inferior  only  in 
te  me  hanged  up 

a  have  in  view  1 
ry  way  forfeite  I 
1  the  belief,  thai 
vill  again  be  let 

to  you  before." 
^'our  own  heart, 
own  :  yet  I  ask 

tered,  and  faui 
me  the  wret<'l) 

your  son  be  iho 

;hat  if  the  luoro 


»ose  in  th"  word 

rentlest  life  ihfll 
overnor  almost 
iring  weic  mani- 

ti  did  he  resenj- 
;s  you,  wlioiu  I 
it  3'ou  desciibe, 
)t  to  strike  his 
tested  name  of 
hat  wife  whom 
ts  iu  itself  suffi- 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  Till.;  PUOPUEfY. 


251 


"Inhuman  ruffian  r  cxclauned  the  puvcrnor,  with  increasing  indignation- 
'  to  tho  pouit.  What  pledge  have  you  to  oll'rr  tlut  my  son  will  he  ir.stoied  ?'» 

"  Nay,  the  pledge  is  easily  given,  and  without  murh  risk.     You  have  onlv 
to  defer  my  death  until  your  messenger  return  froui  his  interview  with  I'on 
teac.     If  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  accompany  him  hack,  shoot  me  as  I  have  re- 
ijucsled  ;  if  he  come  not,  then  it  is  hut  to  hang  nie,  alter  all." 

••  Ha  !  I  understand  you  ;  this  is  hut  a  pretext  to  gain  time,  a  device  to  en- 
uhlc  your  subtle  brain  to  plan  .some  mode  of  esc-ipc." 

"•As  you  will,  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar,"  calmly  irtoited  Wacousta ;  and  a-ain 
he  sank  into  silence,  with  the  air  of  one  utterly  indiMcrent  to  resiil'ts. 

"  Do  you  mean,"   -esumed  the  colonel.  "  that  a  rc(|uest  from  your.self  to  the 
Ottawa  chief  will  ootain  the  liberation  of  my  son  ?" 

'  ITnlcss  the  Indian  be  false  as  yourself,  I  do." 

"  And  of  the  lady  who  is  with  him  ?"  continued  tlie  colonel,  coloring  with 
unger. 

«  Of  both." 

*'  How  is  tho  message  to  be  conveyed  ?" 

•"lla,  sir!"  returned  the  prisomr,  drawing  himself  up  to  his  full  height 
"  now  are  you  arrived  at  a  point  that  is  pertinent.  .My  wampum  belt  will  he 
the  passport,  an<l  the  safeguard  of  him  you  send  ;  then  for  the  coiiimimica- 
tion.  There  are  certain  ligures.  as  you  are  aware,  that,  tiaced  on  bark,  an- 
swer the  same  purpose  among  the  Indians  with  the  Kuropean  language  «»f 
letters.  Let  my  hands  be  cut  loose."  he  pursued.  i»ut  in  a  tone  in  whirh 
agitation  and  excitement  might  be  detected,  "and  if  bark  be  brought  me.  and 
a  burnt  slick  or  coal,  I  will  give  you  not  only  a  sample  of  Indian  iiigeimilv 
but  a  specimen  of  my  own  piogre.ss  in  Indian  ac(|iiireiiu'iits," 

"  What,  free  your  hands,  and  thus  alford  you  a  chaiue  ofe.scajKj ?"  ob.served 
the  govei-nor,  doubtingly. 

Wacousta  bent  his  steadfast  gaze  o ;»  him  for  a  few  moments  as  if  he  que.s- 

tione<i  he  had  heard  aright.     Then  ':arsting  into  a  wild  ami  scornful  lausih. 

''  By  heaven  !"  he  exclaimed,  "  this  is,  indeed,  a  high  conipiiiuciit  yon  pay  mo. 
at  the  expense  of  these  line  fellows.  What,  Colonel  de  Iljildimar  afi-aid  to 
liberate  an  unarmed  prisoner,  hemmed  in  by  a  forest  of  bayonets  ?  This  is 
good  ;  gentlemen,"  and  he  bent  himself  in  .san.'astic  revertuice  to  the  astonished 
troops,  '■  I  beg  to  otier  my  very  best  congratulaliens  on  the  high  estimation 
in  which  you  are  held  by  your  colonel." 

'•  Peace,  sirrah !"  exclaimed  the  governor,  enraged  beyond  measure  at  tho 
m.soience  of  him  who  thus  hehl  him  up  to  conLenii)t  bef(.ie  his  men.  ■'  or,  by 
he.rv?en.  I  will  have  your  tongue  cut  out ! — Mi-.  Lawson,  let  what  this  fellow 
requires  be  procured  immediately."  Then  addressing  Lieutenant  Hoyce,  who 
commanded  the  immediate  guard  over  the  prisoner. — ''  Let  his  hands  be  lil>-, 
crated,  sir,  and  enjoin  your  men  to  be  watchful  of  the  movements  of  this 
Bupple  traitor.  His  activity  I  know  of  old  to  be  great,  and  he  seems  to  have 
doubled  it  since  he  assumed  that  garb." 

The  command  was  executed,  and  the  prisoner  stood,  once  more  free  and 
unfettered  in  every  muscular  limb.  A  (lee[  and  unbioken  silence  ensuetl 
and  the  return  of  the  adjutant  was  momentarily  expected.  Sudd«.«il)  a 
!oud  sfronm  "^as  heard,  and  the  sVight  figure  of  a  fema'e,  clad  in  white,  oaaie 
rushing  from  the  piazza  in  which  tiic  apartmcuL  of  the  deceased  Do  IlaLUiaar, 
niui  aluat^.    It  was  Clara.    The  .guard  of  Wacousta  formed  the  fourth  haui 


252 


WACOUSTA,  on,  THE  PllorHIX'Y. 


IS 


of  the  square ;  but  thoy  were  drawn  up  gomcwlmt  In  the  distance,  so  m  to 
leave  an  open  space  of  several  feet  at  the  anj^lcs.  Tlirough  one  of  those  the 
excited  girl  now  pasHC<l  into  the  area,  with  a  wilchioHS  in  lier  air  and  appcarama 
that  riveted  every  eye  in  painful  interest  tipon  her.  She  paused  not  until  sha 
had  gained  the  side  of  the  captive,  at  whose  feet  she  now  sunk  in  an  attitude 
expressive  of  the  most  profound  despair. 

'' Tiger ! —monster !"  she  raved,  ''restore  my  brother! — give  me  back  the 

[fentle  life  you  have  taken,  or  destroy  my  own  1  See,  I  am  a  weak  defence- 
ess  girl :  can  you  not  strike  ? — you  have  no  pity  for  the  innocent.  But 
ooiac,"  she  pursued  mournfully,  regaining  her  feet  and  grasping  his  iron  hand. 
— "  come  and  see  the  sweet  calm  face  of  him  you  have  slain : — come  with  me, 
and  behold  the  inrige  of  Clara  Beverley ;  and,  if  you  ever  loved  Kor  as  you 
nay  you  did,  let  your  soul  bo  touched  with  remorse  for  your  crime." 

The  excitement  and  confusion  produced  by  this  unexpected  interruption 
was  great.  Murmurs  of  compassion  for  the  unhappy  Clara,  and  ol  indigna- 
tion against  the  prisoner,  were  no  longer  sought  to  lie  repressed  b}'  ihe  men  ; 
while  the  officers,  quitting  their  places  in  the  rankr,  grouped  themselves  indis- 
criminately in  the  fore-ground.  One,  more  impatient  than  his  couipanionH, 
sprang  forward,  and  forcibly  drew  away  the  delicate  hand  that  still  grasped 
that  of  the  captive.    It  was  Sir  Everard  Valletort. 

"  Clara,  my  beloved  wife !"  he  exclaimed,  to  the  astonishment  of  all  who 
heard  him,  "pollute  not  your  lips  by  further  communion  with  such  a  wretch; 
his  heart  is  as  inaccessible  to  pity  as  the  rugged  rocks  on  which  his  spring-lifa 
was  passed.  For  Heaven's  sake, — for  my  sake, — linger  not  within  his  reach. 
There  is  death  in  his  very  presence." 

'*  Your  wife,  sir  1"  haughtily  observed  the  governor,  with  irrepressible  as 
ti/iiishment  and  indignation  in  his  voice ;  "  what  mean  you  ? — Gentlemen,  re- 
sume your  places  in  the  ranks.  Clara — Missde  Ilaldimar,  I  command  you  to 
retire  instantly  to  your  apartment.  We  will  discourse  of  this  later,  Sir  Eve- 
rard Valletort.    I  trust  you  have  not  dared  to  offer  an  indignity  to  my  child." 

While  he  was  yet  turned  to  that  officer,  who  had  taken  his  post,  as  com- 
manded, in  the  inner  angle  of  the  square,  and  with  a  countenance  that  denote<l 
the  conflicting  emotions  of  his  soul,  he  was  suddenly  startled  by  the  confused 
shout  and  rushing  forward  of  the  whole  body,  both  of  officers  and  men.  Bo- 
fore  he  had  time  lo  turn,  a  loud  and  well-remembered  yell  burst  upon  hia 
ear.  The  next  moment,  to  his  infinite  surprise  and  horror,  he  beheld  ths 
bold  warrior  rapidly  ascendin'g  the  very  staff  that  had  been  destined  for  hia 
scaffold,  and  with  Clara  in  his  arms ! 

Great  was  the  confusion  that  ensued.  To  rush  forward  and  surround  the 
flag-staff,  was  the  immediate  action  of  the  troops.  Many  of  the  men  raised 
their  muskets,  and  m  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  would  have  fired,  had 
they  not  been  restrained  by  their  officers,  who  pointed  out  the  certain  destruc- 
tion it  would  entail  on  the  unfortunate  Clara.  With  the  rapidity  of  thought, 
Waoousta  had  snatched  up  his  victim,  while  the  attention  of  the  troops  was 
directed  to  the  singular  conversation  passing  between  the  governor  and  Sir 
Eveard  Valletort,  and  darting  through  one  of  the  open  angles  already  al- 
luded to,  had  gained  the  rampart  before  they  had  recovered  from  the  stupor 
produced  by  his  daring  action.  Stepping  lightly  upon  the  pegs,  he  had  ra- 
pidly ascended  to  the  utmost  height  of  thetjc,  before  any  one  thought  of  fol- 
lowing him ;  and  then  gniSDing  in  his  teeth  the  cord  which  was  to  hAve  serrod 


WAOOVSTA.  OR,  THF.  PROPFUCCY. 


25J5 


di.'^tAncc,  so  AS  to 
)  one  of  those  th« 
lir  and  appcaranra 
used  nut  until  hIiq 
nk  in  an  attitude 

r^ive  mc  back  tho 
II  a  weak  dcfcncc- 
10  innocent.  But 
ing  his  iron  hand, 
: — coino  with  mo, 
loved  l.or  as  you 
•  criujc." 

Dctt'd  interruption 
a,  and  o(  indigna< 
ssed  b}'  ihc  men  ; 
themselves  indis- 
1  his  conipanions, 
that  still  grusiKid 

hment  of  all  who 

th  such  a  wretch ; 

lich  his  spring-Iifa 

I  within  his  reach. 

h  irrepressible  as 
? — Gentlemen,  re- 
I  command  you  to 
this  later,  Sir  Eve- 
;nity  to  my  child." 
his  post,  as  com- 
lance  that  denoted 
3d  by  the  confused 
ers  and  men.  Be- 
ll burst  upon  his 
or,  he  beheld  th» 
:n  destined  for  his 

and  surround  the 
of  the  men  raised 
lid  have  fired,  had 
he  certain  destruc- 
ipidity  of  thought, 
of  the  troops  was 

governor  and  Sir 
angles  already  al- 
d  from  the  sttipor 
I  pegs,  ho  had  ra- 
>ne  thought  of  fol- 
was  to  faAve  served 


f)!  his  execution,  and  hoMin?  Clari  nrmly  npninst  his  rhost.  whfle  Tio  cm- 
■r*rafH'd  the  smooth  staff  with  knees  and  feet  olosely  compressed  jiround  it  ao 
fompii.shed  the  dilticult  a.scent  with  an  ease  that  astmishwl  ulj  wlin  heJieM 
him.  ara<l  lally,  as  ho  approadu-d  the  top,  the  tafcring  pine  v»ave(|  to  und 
fro  ;  and  at  oa«..i  moment  il  was  expected,  tluu.  viel<linir  to  their  unite<l  wei'hv 
it  would  snap  asunder,  and  pieeipiiaie  hoth  fliira  and  hini.«,clf;  upon  the  ram. 
part  or  mUt  the  ditch  beyond. 

Alore  tha.i  one  otHcer  now  attempted  to  follow  tlic  fugitive  in  his  advent u- 
rous  course ;  but  even  Lieutenant  Johnstone,  ilie  most  active  and  experieneeil 
in  climbing  of  the  party,  was  unable  to  rise  more  than  a  few  yards  above  the 
pegs  that  affordofl  a  footing,  and  the  enterprise  was  abandoned  as  an  ini|M)s. 
Bibility.  At  length  Wacousta  was  seen  to  gain  the  extreme  summit.  For  a 
moment  he  turned  his  gaze  anxiously  beyond  the  town,  in  the  direction  of  the 
1. ridge  ;  and,  after  pealing  forth  one  of  his  terrific  yells,  exclaimed,  exullinglv, 
as  he  turned  his  eyes  upon  his  enemy  : — 

"  Well,  colonel,  what  think  you  of  this  sample  of  Indian  ingenuity  ?  XM 
1  not  tell  you,"  he  continued,  in  mockery,  •'  vhat.  if  my  hands  wero'ltut  five. 
I  would  give  you  a  specimen  of  my  progress  in  Indian  aeqiiirements?" 

'*lf  you  wouhl  avoid  a  death  even  more  terrible  than  that  of  liandng." 
shouted  the  governor,  in  a  voice  of  mingled  rage  and  terror,  ''  restore  mv 
daughter." 

"  Ila!  ha!  ha ! — excellent !"  vociferated  the  savage.  "You  threaten  largely, 
my  good  governor;  but  your  threats  are  harmless  as  those  of  a  wenk  J)esieg- 
ing  army  before  an  impregnable  fortress.  It  is  for  the  stronu'est.  however,  to 
propose  his  terms.  If  I  restoie  this  girl  to  life,  will  you  pledge  yourself  io 
mine  ?" 

•'  Never  I"  thundered  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar,  with  unusual  energy.  "  Men. 
procure  axes;  cut  the  Hag-stafl'down,  since  this  is  tlie  only  means  left  of  s(!- 
puiing  yon  insolent  traitor  !  Quick  to  your  work  :  and  mark,  who  first  sei/e.s 
him  shall  have  promotion  on  the  spot." 

Axes  were  instantly  procured,  and  two  of  the  men  now  lent  themselves 
vigorously  to  the  task.  Wacousta  seemed  to  watcli  these  i)reparations  with 
wident  anxiety  ;  and  to  all  it  appeared  as  if  his  courage  had  been  paralysed 
by  this  unexpected  action.  No  .sooner,  however,  had  the  axemen  rcaclfed'  the 
heart  of  the  staff,  than,  holding  Clara  forth  over  tho  edge  of  the  rampart,  he 
shouted, — 

"  One  stroke  more,  and  she  perishes  !" 

Instantaneously  the  work  was  discontinued.  A  silence  of  a  few  moments  t-n- 
sued.  Every  eye  was  tuined  upward, — every  heart  beat  with  terror  to  see 
the  delicate  girl,  held  by  a  single  arm,  and  apparently  about  to  be  precipitatetj 
from  that  dizzying  height.     Again  Wacousta  shouted. — 

"  Life  for  life,  De  Ilaldimar  I    If  I  yield  her  shall  I  live?" 

"  No  terms  shall  be  dictated  to  mo  by  a  rebel,  in  the  heart  of  my  own  fort.' 
returned  the  governor.  "  Restore  my  child,  and  we  will  then  consider  what 
mercy  may  be^pxteiTdp;!  to  you." 

"  Well  do  I  know  what  mercy  dwells  in  such  a  heart  as  yours,"  gloomily 
remarked  the  prisoner ;  "  but  I  come." 

''  Surround  the  staff,  men,"  ordered  the  governor,  in  a  low  tone.  "  The  in- 
stant he  descends,  secure  him :  lash  him  in  every  limb,  nor  suffer  even  his 
insolent  tongue  to  be  longer  at  liberty*" 


264 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


**Boyce,  for  (lo'Ts  sa'ko  open  the  trato.  and  jjlaoe  men  in  readiness  to  lower 
the  drawbridge."  implored  Sir  FiVcranl  of  the  cflice^  of  tlie  guard,  and  in  a 
tone  of  deep  emotion  tliat  was  not  meant  to  be  overX  nrd  by  the  governor. 
** I  fear  the  boldnes.s  of  this  vengeful  man  may  lead  him  to  some  desperate 
means  of  escape." 

While  the  oilicer  whom  lu  addressed  i.ssued  a  conunaiid.  the  responsibility 
of  which  he  fancied  he  might,  under  the  peculiar  circumstanres  of  the  moment. 
take  upon  himself  Waconsta  began  his  descent,  n'st  as  l"fore,  by  adhering  to 
the  staff  but  by  the  rope  which  he  held  in  his  left  haml.  w  hile  he  still  sup- 
ported  the  apparently  senseless  Clara  against  his  right  breast  witli  the  other. 

''  Now.  Colonel  dc  Flaldimar.  I  hope  your  heart  is  at  rest."  he  shouted,  m 
he  rapidly  glided  b}'  the  cord  ;  "enjoy  your  triumph  as  l)esi  may  suit  vonr 
pi  ^asure." 

Every  eye  followed  his  movement  with  interest ;  every  Ik  art  beat  ligliter  al 
the  certainty  of  Clara  being  again  restored,  and  without  utln-r  injury  than 
the  terror  she  mii.st  ha  oxpeiienced  in  such  a  scene.  K.K-h  congratulalLMl 
himself  on  the  favorab.<  termination  of  the  «,enibl('  adv.  nture.  31't  were  ail 
ready  to  spring  upon  and  <(  sure  the  despoate author  of  tlie  wtong.  Waconsin 
had  now  reached  the  centre  of  the  fiag-statf.  Pansivig  for  a  inonu'iii.  im 
grappled  it  with  his  strong  and  nervous  feet,  on  which  be  apparently  rested. 
to  give  a  momentary  relief  to  the  nmscles  of  his  left  arm.  He  then  abruj)!!" 
abandoned  his  hold,  swinging  bimsulf  out  a  few  yar<ls  from  the  stall'  and  re- 
turning again,  dashed  his  feet  against  it  with  a  force  that  caused  the  weakened 
mass  to  vibrate  to  its  very  ftmndatiou.  Impelled  by  his  weight,  and  the  vio- 
lence of  his  action,  the  creaking  pine  gave  way  ;  its  lofty  top  gradually  bend- 
ing over  the  exterior  rampart  until  it  finally  snapped  asHuder,  and  fell  with  a 
loud  crash  acro.ss  the  ditch. 

"Open  the  gate,  down  with  the  drawbridge!"  exclaimei'J^he  excited  gov 
ernor. 

"  Town  with  the  drawbridge,"  repeated  Sir  Everard  to  the  men  already 
stationed  there  ready  to  let  loose  at  the  first  order.  The  heavy  chains  rattled 
sullenly  through  the  rusty  puller's,  and  to  each  the  bridge  seemed  an  hour 
descending,  liefore  it  had  reached  its  level,  it  was  covered  with  the  weight 
of  many  armed  men  rushing  confusedly  to  the  front ;  and  the  forenutst  of 
^e.se  leaped  to  the  earth  before  it  had  sunk  into  its  customary  bed.  Sir 
Everard  Valletort  and  lieutenant  Johnstone  were  in  the  front,  both  ariiMd 
with  their  rifles,  which  had  been  brought  them  before  Wacousta  coiuinencwl 
his  descent.  Without  order  or  combinaticui.  Krskine,  Hlessington.  and  nearly 
half  of  their  respective  companies,  followed  as  they  could  ;  and  disiH-rsiivj.  as 
they  advanced,  .sought  only  which  could  outstrip  his  fellows  in  the  pursuit 

Meanwhile  the  fugitive,  as.sisted  in  his  fall  by  the  gradual  rending  as\mdei' 
of  the  staff,  had  obeyed  the  impulsion  first  given  to  his  active  form,  uniil. 
suddenly  checking  himself  by  the  rope,  he  dropped  with  his  feet  downward 
into  the  ctsntre  of  the  ditch.  For  a  moment  he  disafipeared.  then  came  again 
uninjured  to  the  surface  ;  and  in  the  face  of  more  than  fif5,v  men.  who.  linini^ 
the  rampart  with  their  muskets  IcTclled  to  take  him  at  advantage  the  instant 
he  should  reappear,  .seemed  to  laugh  their  efforts  to  scorn.  IloUhng  Claia 
before  him  as  a  shield,  through  which  the  bullets  of  his  enemies  must  pass 
before  they  could  attain  him,  he  impelled  his  gigantic  form  with  a  backward 
movement  toward  the  opposite  bank,  which  he  rapidly  ascended ;  and.  still 


otli( 


oadincsR  to  lower 
?  gii.ard,  and  in  a 
by  the  povernor. 
i  some  desperate 

llic  responsibility 
es  of  the  moment. 
•e,  by  adhering;  to 
bile  lie  still  sup- 
t  with  the  other. 
"  he  shouted,  an 
U   may  suit  your 

iirt  beat  Ii.L:;hter  ni 
>tlier  injury  than 
K'h  congnitnlaled 
nr-e.  yet  were  ail 
■ronj;.  Wa('()n>;t!» 
)r  a  imnneni.  nr, 
upparenlly  rested, 
lie  then  abi'uptly 
the  stall".  an<l  re- 
ised  the  weakened 
.'ight.  and  the  vit>- 
p  jiradiially  bend- 
er, and  fell  with  a 


J^he  excitc<l  g^ 


ov 


the  men  already 
avy  chains  rattled 
.seemed  an  hour 
with  the  weight 
the  foremost  of 
;tomary  bed.  Sir 
Vonl.  botli  ariiM'd 
ousta  coiuiMeiicwl 
infjton.  and  nearly 
and  disjx'rsinu  as 
in  the  pursuit 
1  rendin^i  asinider 
active  forni.  until, 
is  feet  downward 
I,  then  came  aj^ain 
'  men.  who.  lininjz; 
uitajie  the  instant 
I.  Ilolfhng  Clara 
ncmics  must  pass 
with  a  backward 
cendcd :  and.  still 


WACOrSTA,  OH,  THE  PROPHECY. 


QKK 


oi) 


fronting  Tii.s  enemies  commenced  his  flight  in  that  manner  with  a  spei'd  which 
(considermg  the  additional  weight  of  the  drenched  tranneuts  of  bcih)  was 
mconceuablc.     Ihe  cour.se  taken  by  him  was  not  through  the  town  but  en- 


lencf, 


cuitously  acro.ss  the  common  until  he  arrived  on  that  inuuediate  line  wl 
a.s  wc  have  oi.'")ro  stated,  the  ])ri(lge  was  .listinctlv  visil)l..  fnun  the  raminil  • 
on  whitn,  nearly  the  whole  of  the  remaining  troops,  in  deliaure  of  tlu-  ,„e.s^ 
ence  of  their  austere  chief,  were  now  eagerly  assembled,  watchin<>  with  un- 
aipeakable  interest,  the  pregress  of  the  chase.  "' 

l)esperate  as  were  the  exertions  of  Wacousta.  who  evidently  continued  this 
in.xle  ol  Hight  from  a  conviction  that  the  instant  his  person  was  left  exi.ose.l 
the  hre-armsof  his  pursuers  would  be  brought  to  liear  upon  him   the  two 
otlK-ers  in  front,  animated  by  the  most  extraordinary  exertion.s.  were  rar.idiv 
gjiimug  upon  him.     Already  was  one  within  Hfty  yards  of  him.  when  a  loud 
yell  xvus  hi'ard  from  the  bridge.     This  was  fiercely  answered  b\-  the  fleenu- 
man.  and  m  a  mauner  that  implied  his  glad  sense  "of  eomin-,'  rescue.     In  thl 
wild  exultation  of  the  moment,  he  raised  Clara  high  above  his  head,  to  show 
her  in  triumph  to  the  governor,  whose  person  his  keen  eye  could  easily  dis- 
tinguish among  chose  crowded  upon  the  rampart.     In  the  gialified  venu'eance 
')f  thai  hour,  he  seemed  utterly  to  overlook  the  a-tions  of  those  who  w«'re  sr 
near  him      During  this  brief  scene.  Sir  Everard  had  drojjped  up.  >  one  knef. 
and  suppo/ting  his  elbow  on  the  other,  aimed  his  rifle  at  ihe  heart  of  the  rav^ 
isliei-  of  his  wife.     An  exulting  shout  burst  from  the  pursuin«;  iroops.     W'tv- 
coiisla   bounded  a  fvw  feet  in  a-r,  and  placing  his  hand   to  his  side,  uttered 
another  yell,  more  appalling  than  any  that  had   hitliei to  escaped  him.     His 
Uight  was  now  uncertain  and  wavering.     He  staggered  as  one  who  had  re- 
ceived a  mortal  wound;  and  di.scontinuinghis  niUMiual  mode  of  retreat,  turned 
his  back  upon  his  pursuers,  and  threw  all  his  remaining  energies  into  a  tinal 
ellbrt  at  escape. 

Insi)ii'ited  by  the  success  of  liis  shot,  and  expecting  momentarily  to  seo 
liim  fall  weakened  with  the  loss  of  blood,  the  excited  Valletort  redoubled  his 
exertion.s.  To  his  infinite  joy.  he  found  that  the  efforts  of  the  fugitive  becan-.e 
feebler  at  each  moment.  Johnstone  was  about  twenty  ])aces  behind  him,  ami 
the  pursuing  party  at  about  the  same  distance  from  Johnstone.  'I'he  baronet 
had  now  reached  his  eueni}^,  and  already  was  the  butt  of  his  rifle  raised  witb 
murderous  intent,  when  suddenly  Wacousta.  every  feature  distorted  with  ragt 
i«nd  pain,  turned  like  a  wounded  lion  at  bay.  and  eluding  the  blow.  deposite\ 
the  unconscious  form  of  his  victim  upon  the  sward.  Springing  upon  his  in- 
fimte'y  weaker  juirsuer,  ho  grappled  him  furiously  by  the  throat,  exclaiming 
tluimgh  his  clenched  teeth  : — 

"  Nay  then,  since  you  will  provoke  your  fate — be  it  so.  Die  like  a  dog, 
and  be  d— ; — d,  for  having  balked  me  of  my  just  revenge  I" 

As  he  spoke,  he  hurled  the  grasping  officer  to  the  earth  with  a  violence  that 
betrayed  the  dreadful  excitement  of  his  soul,  and  again  hastened  to  assure 
himself  of  his  prize. 

Meanwhile,  Lieutenant  Johnstone  had  come  up,  and  seeing  his  companion 
Blruggling,  as  he  presumed  with  advantage,  with  his  severely  wounded  enetny 
luade  it  his  first  care  to  secure  the  unhappy  girl ;  for  whose  recovery  the  pur- 
suit had  been  principally  instituted.  Quitting  his  rifle,  he  now  essayed  to 
raise  her  in  his  arms.  She  was  without  life  or  cousciousness,  and  the  im» 
pr«s8ion  on  his  mind  was  that  she  was  dead. 


\i 


266 


VTACOt'STA,  OR,  THE  fP.OPHEOY. 


Wliile  in  the  act  of  raisfnoj  Yicr,  the  terrible  Wacousta  stood  at  liis  side,  his 
vast  chest  heaving  forth  a  laugh  of  mingled  rngc  and  contempt.  Before  tho 
officer  could  extricate,  with  a  view  of  defending  himself,  his  arms  were  pinion- 
ed as  though  in  a  vice ;  and  ere  he  could  recover  from  his  surprise,  hv  felt 
himself  lifted  up  and  thrown  to  a  considcra>»le  distance.  When  he  opened  his 
eyes  a  moment  afterwards,  he  was  lying  suui'l  the  moving  feet  of  his  own  men. 

From  the  instant  of  the  closing  of  the  unfortunate  Valletort  with  his  enemy, 
the  Indians,  hastening  to  the  assistance  of  their  chief,  had  come  up,  and  a  de- 
sultory fire  had  already  commenced,  diverting,  in  a  great  degree,  the  atteniii>n 
of  the  troops  from  tlie  pursued.  Emboldened  by  this  new  aspect  of  things 
Wacousta  now  deliberately  grasped  the  rille  that  had  been  abandoned  by 
Johnstone;  i»nd  raising  it  to  his  soulder,  fired  among  the  group  collected  on 
the  ramparts.  For  a  moment  he  watched  the  result  of  his  shot,  and  then, 
pealing  forth  another  fierce  yell,  he  ).urled  the  now  useless  weapon  into  the 
very  heart  of  his  pursuers ;  and  again  raising  Clara  m  his  arms,  once  more 
commenced  his  retreat,  whicli,  under  cover  of  the  fire  of  his  party,  was  easily 
effected. 

"  Who  has  fallen  ?"  demanded  the  governor  of  his  adjutant,  perceiving  that 
some  one  had  been  hit  at  his  side,  yet  without  taking  his  eyes  off"  his  terrible 
eneny. 

*'  Mr.  Delme,  sir,"  was  the  reply.  "  He  has  been  shot  through  the  heart, 
and  his  men  are  bearing  him  from  tlie  rampart." 

"  This  must  not  be,"  resumed  the  governor  with  energy.     "Private  feelings 
mast  no  longer  be  studied  at  the  expense  of  the  public  good.     The  pui-suii  is 
hopeless ;  and  already  too  many  of  my  officers  liave  fallen.     Desire  the  re- 
treat to  be  soimded,  5f  r.  l^awson.     (Captain  Wentworth,  1'  t  one  or  two  r-Dver 
ing  guns  b«  brought  to  bear  upon  the  savages.    They  are^  gradually  incei.  i 
ing  in  numbers;  and  if  we  delay,  the  party  will  be  wholly' cut  off." 

In  issuing  these  orders,  Colonel  de  Haldimar  evinced  a  composcdness  tl  .t 
astonished  all  who  heard  him.  But  although  his  voice  was  calm,  despair  m  us 
upon  his  brow.  Still  he  continued  to  ga/,e  fixedly  on  the  retreating  form  cf 
his  enemy,  until  he  finally  disappeared  behind  the  orchard  of  the  Canndian  cf 
the  Fleur  de  Lis. 

Obeying  the  summons  from  the  fort,  the  troops  without  now  commen'^eS 
their  retreat,  bearing  off  the  bodies  of  their  fallen  officers  and  several  of  cli  rr 
comrades  who  had  fallen  by  the  Indian  fire.  There  was  a  show  of  haiussing 
them  on  their  return ;  but  they  were  too  near  the  fort  to  apprelicud  much 
danger.  Two  or  three  well-directed  discharges  of  aa'tillery  effectuinlly  chctkcvl 
the  onward  progress  of  the  savages ;  and,  in  the  course  of  a  njinnto,  they  ha:l 
again  wholly  disappeared. 

In  gloomy  silence,  and  with  anger  and  disappointment  in  their  hearts,  the 
detachment  now  re-entered  the  fort.  Johnstone  was  only  severely  bruised  ; 
Sir  Everard  Valletort  not  dead.  Both  were  convejed  to  the  same  rooia, 
where  they  were  instantly  attended  by  the  surgeon,  who  pronounced  the  situ- 
ation of  the  latter  hopeless. 

Major  Blackwater,  Captains  Blessington  and  Erskine,  Lieutenants  Leslia 
and  Boyce,  and  Ensigns  Fortescue  and  Summers,  were  now  the  only  regi- 
mental officers  that  remained  of  thirteen  originally  comprising  the  strength  of 
the  garrison.    The  whole  of  these  stood  grouped  around  their  colonel,  who 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPnEOY. 


25t 


liis  siMe,  his 
Before  tho 
were  pinion- 
trise.  Ik*  felt 
e  opened  his 
is  own  inon. 
1  his  enemy, 
ip,  ami  a  'le- 
he  attention 
ct  of  thinjrs 
landtined  hy 
colle<!te(l  on 
t,  and  then, 
ion  into  the 
?,  once  ni«>re 
r.  was  easily 

rceiving  that 
"  his  terrible 

jh  the  heart, 

ivatc  fcelinG^g 
he  pui'siiil  is 
:;sire  tlie  re- 
r  two  ri»Tcr 
ally  incei.  t 

r.» 

scdness  tl  .t 

despair  m  v.h 

ting  form  cf 

Canndian  cf 

comnien'^c^ 

era!  of  clirr 

of  haiassing 

ehnmJ  much 

11  y  chcckevi 
itfi,  they  had 


r  hearts,  tha 
fly  bruised ; 
same  rooio, 
jed  the  situ- 

lants  Leslia 

16  only  regi- 

strength  of 

BoIoDel,  who 


■eemed  transffxed  to  the  spot  he  had  first  occupied  on  tho  rampart  with  hta 
arms  folded,  and  his  ga'-«e  bent  m  the  direction  in  which  he  had  lost  sight  of 
Wacousta  and  his  child. 

Hitherto  the  morning  had  been  cold  and  cheerless,  and  objects  in  the  far 
listance  were  but  indistinctly  seen  through  a  humid  atmosphere.  At  about 
lalf  an  hour  before  mid-day  the  air  became  more  raritied,  and,  the  murky 
3louds  gradually  disappearing,  left  the  blue  autumnal  sky  without  spot  or 
blemish.  Presently,  as  the  bells  of  the  fort  struck  twelve,  a  yell  of  a  legion 
of  devils  rent  the  air ;  and,  riveting  their  gaze  in  that  direction,  all  beheld  the 
bridge,  hitherto  deserted,  suddenly  covered  with  a  multitude  of  savages, 
among  whom  were  several  individuals  attired  in  the  European  garb,  and  evi- 
dently prisoners.  Each  officer  had  a  telescope  raised  to  his  eye,  and  each 
prepared  himself,  shudderingly,  for  some  horrid  consummation.  Presently 
the  bridge  was  cleared  of  all  but  a  double  line  of  what  appeared  to  be  women, 
armed  with  war-clubs  and  tomahawks.  Along  the  line  were  now  seen  to 
pass,  in  slow  succession,  the  prisoners  that  had  previously  been  observed. 
At  each  step  they  took  (and  it  was  evident  they  had  been  compelled  to  run 
the  gauntlet,)  a  blow  was  inflicted  by  some  one  or  other  of  the  line,  until  the 
wretched  victims  were  successively  despatched.  A  loud  yell  from  the  war- 
riors, who,  although  hidden  from  view  by  the  intervening  orchards,  were  evi- 
dently merely  spectators  in  the  bloody  drama,  announced  each  death.  These 
yells  were  repeated,  at  intervals,  to  about  the  number  of  thirty,  when,  sud- 
denly the  bridge  was  again  deserted  as  before. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  the  tall  figure  of  a  warrior  was  seen  to  ad- 
vance, holding  a  female  in  his  arms.  No  one  could  mistake,  even  at  that 
distance,  the  gigantic  proportions  of  Wacousta,  as  he  stood  in  the  extreme 
centre  of  the  bridge,  in  imposing  relief  against  the  flood  that  glittered  like  a 
sea  of  glass  beyond.  From  his  chest  there  now  burst  a  single  yell ;  but,  al- 
though audible,  it  was  fainter  than  any  remembered  ever  to  have  been  heard 
from  him  by  tho  garrison.  He  then  advanced  to  the  extreme  edge  of  tha 
bridge ;  and,  raising  the  form  of  the  female  far  above  his  head  with  his  left 
band,  seemed  to  wave  her  in  vengeful  triumph.  A  second  warrior  was  seen 
upon  the  bridge,  and  stealing  cautiously  to  the  same  point.  The  right  hand 
of  tho  first  warrior  was  now  raised  and  brandished  in  the  air ;  in  the  next  in- 
stant it  descended  upon  the  breast  of  the  female,  who  fell  from  his  arms  int« 
the  ravine  beneath.  Yells  of  triumph  from  the  Indians,  and  shouts  of  ex 
coration  from  the  soldiers,  mingled  faintly  together.  At  that  moment  tha 
arm  of  the  second  w^arrior  was  raised,  and  a  blade  was  seen  to  '-\:'^  in  the 
sunshine.  His  arm  descended,  and  Wacousta  was  observed  tr  '--^  -v  fr,r. 
ward  and  fall  heavily  into  the  abyss  into  which  his  victim  hai.  th^  ".tan.* 
before  been  precipitated.  Another  loud  yell,  but  of  disappointment  and  anger, 
was  heard  drowning  that  of  exultation  pealed  by  the  triumphant  warrior, 
who,  darting  to  the  "open  extremity  of  the  bridge,  directed  his  flight  along  the 
margin  of  the  river,  where  a  light  canoe  was  ready  to  receive  him.  Into  this 
he  sprang,  and,  seizing  the  paddle,  sent  the  waters  foaming  from  its  sides; 
and,  pursuing  his  way  across  the  river,  had  nearly  gained  the  shores  of  Canada 
before  a  bark  was  to  be  seen  following  in  pursuit. 

How  felt — how  acted  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  throughout  this  brief  but  terri- 
blo  scene  1    He  uttered  not  a  word.    With  his  arms  still  folded  anrosa  laft 


253 


WACOUSTA,  OB,  THE  PROPHECT. 


breast,  he  gazed  npon  the  murder  of  his  chfld  $  hut  he  heayed  not  i  « *  »mi',  hit 
shed  not  a  tear.  A  momentaiy  triumph  seemed  to  uradiate  his  palk'\  iUiiuiuM, 
when  he  saw  the  blow  struck  that  annihilated  his  enemy ;  but  it  was  a^uiit 
Uii&taAtly  shaded  by  an  expression  of  the  most  profound  despair. 

"  It  is  done,  gentlemen,"  he  at  length  remarked.  "  The  tragedy  is  closed, 
the  curse  of  Ellen  Halloway  is  fulfilled,  and  I  am— ^^hildltss!— Blackwater,* 
he  pursued,  endeavoring  to  stifle  the  emotion  product '.  by  the  last  reflection 
"  pay  every  attention  to  the  seciu-ity  of  the  garrison,  see  that  the  drawbridgt 
is  again  properly  chained  up,  and  direct  that  the  duties  of  the  troops  be  prose 
cuted  in  every  way  as  heretofore*" 

Leaving  his  officers  to  wonder  at  and  pity  that  apathy  of  mind  that  couli 
mingle  the  mere  forms  of  duty  with  the  most  heart-rendering  associations, 
Colonel  de  Haldimar  now  quitted  the  rampart ;  and,  with  a  head  that  was  re- 
marked for  the  first  time  to  droop  over  his  chest,  paced  his  way  musing  to  his 
apartments, 


i  t-i  •  ....^ 


..-  ■  ^ 


.>  :ii.:,^'-*^' 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


NiOHT  had  long  since  drawn  her  circling  mantle  over  the  western  hemis 
phere ;  and  deeper,  far  deeper  than  the  gloom  of  that  night  was  the  despair 
which  filled  every  bosom  of  the  devoted  garrison,  whose  fortunes  it  has  fallen 
to  our  lot  to  record.  A  silence,  prt/'ound  as  that  of  death,  pervaded  the  ram- 
parts and  exterior  defences  of  the  fortress,  interrupted  only,  at  long  intervals^ 
by  the  customary  "  All's  well !"  of  the  several  sentinels ;  which,  after  the 
awful  events  of  the  day.  seemed  to  many  who  now  heard  it  as  if  uttered  in 
mockery  of  their  hopelessness  of  sorrow.  The  lights  within  the  barracks  of 
the  men  had  long  since  extinguished ;  and,  consigned  to  a  mere  repose  of 
limb,  in  which  the  eye  and  heart  shared  not,  the  inferior  soldiery  pressed  their 
rude  couches  with  spirits  worn  out  by  a  succession  of  painful  excitements,  and 
firames  debilitated  by  much  abstinence  and  watching.  It  was  an  hour  at  which 
sleep  was  wont  to  afford  them  the  blessing  of  a  temporary  forgetfulness  of  en- 
durances that  weighed  the  more  heavily  as  they  were  believed  to  be  endless 
and  without  fruit ;  but  sleep  had  now  apparently  been  banished  'xom  all ;  for 
the  low  and  confused  murmur  that  met  the  ear  from  the  several  block-houses 
was  continuous  and  general,  betraying  at  times,  and  in  a  louder  key,-  wordti 
that  bore  reference  to  the  tragic  occurrences  of  the  day. 

The  only  lights  visible  in  the  fort  proceeded  from  the  guard-house  and  a 
room  adjoining  that  of  the  ill-fated  Charles  de  Haldimar.  Within  the  latter 
were  collected,  with  the  exception  of  the  governor,  and  grouped  around  a  bed 
on  which  lay  one  of  their  companions  in  a  nearly  expiring  state,  the  ofllcers  of 
the  garrison,  reduced  nearly  one  thVJ  in  number  sinee  we  first  offered  thon 
10  the  notice  of  our  readers.  The  dying  nrim  was  Sir  Everard  Valietort,  who, 
Bupporied  by  pillows,  was  concluding  a  narrative  that  had  chained  the  earnest 
attention  of  his  auditory,  even  amid  the  deep  and  heartfelt  sympathy  percejp- 
tible  in  each  for  the  forlorn  and  hopeless  condition  of  the  nan-ator.  At  the 
side  of  the  unhappy  baronet,  and  enveloped  in  a  dressing  sown,  as  if  recently 


WACOUSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


259 


y  is  closed, 
lackwater,* 
t  reflection, 
drawbridgt 
)s  be  prose 

that  covll 
issociations, 
hat  was  re- 
using to  kui 


item  hemli 
the  despair 
^t  has  fallen 
led  the  ram- 
ag  intervals^ 
h,  after  the 
if  uttered  in 
barracks  of 
•e  repose  of 
•ressed  their 
ements,  and 
•ur  at  which 
ilness  of  en- 

0  be  endless 
Tom  all;  for 
Jock-houses 

key,'  wordji 

iouse  and  a 

1  the  latter 
found  a  bed 
e  oflicers  of 
ifferof]  th^in 
letort,  who, 

the  earnest 
thy  percei^ 
3r.  At  the 
i  if  recently 


eat  of  bed,  sat,  reclining  in  a  rude  elbow  chair,  one  wTiose  paliid  conntenanee 
denoted  that,  although  far  less  seriously  injured,  he,  too,  had  suilered  scvc»- 
ly: — it  was  Lieutenant  Johnstone. 

The  narrative  was  at  length  closed;  and  the  officer,  exhausted  by  c'«e 
effort  he  had  made  in  his  anxiety  to  communicate  every  particular  to  his 
attentive  and  surprised  companions,  had  sunk  back  up-  a  his  pillow  when, 
suddenly,  the  loud  and  unusual  "Who  comes  there r'  of  the  sentinel 
stationeU  on  the  rampart  above  the  gateway,  arrested  every  ear.  A  mo- 
ment of  pause  succeeded,  when  again  was  heard  the  "Stand,  friend!"  evi- 
dently given  in  reply  to  the  familiar  answer  to  the  original  challenge.  Then 
were  audible  rapid  movements  in  the  guard-house,  as  of  men  aroused  from 
temporary  slumber^  and  hastening  to  the  point  whence  the  voice  proceeded. 

Silently  yet  humedly  the  officers  now  quitted  the  bedside  of  the  dying  man, 
leaving  only  the  surgeon  and  the  invalid  Johnstone  behind  them ;  and,  fi3-ing 
to  the  rampart,  stood  in  the  next  minute  confounded  with  the  guard,  who 
were  already  grouped  round  the  challenging  sentinel,  bending  their  gaze  eagwly 
in  the  direction  of  the  road. 

"  What  now,  man  ?— whom  have  you  challenged  ?"  asked  Major  Blackwater. 

"It  is  I — De  Haldimar,"  hoarsely  exclaimed  one  of  four  dark  figures  that, 
hitherto  unnot?eed  by  the  efficers,  stood  immediately  beyond  the  ditch,  with 
a,  burden  desposited  at  their  feet.  "  Quick,  Blackwater,  let  us  in  for  God^ 
sake !  Each  succeeding  minute  may  bring  a  scoutmg  party  on  our  track. 
Lower  the  drawbridge !" 

"Impossible !"  exclaimed  the  major:  "after  all  that  has  passed,  it  is  more 
th-'n  my  commission  is  worth  to  lower  the  bridge  without  permission.  Mr. 
Lawson,  quick  to  the  governor,  and  report  that  Captain  de  Haldimar  is  here: 
with  whom  shall  we  say  ?"  again  addressing  the  impatient  and  almost  mdi^ 
nant  officer^ 

"  With  Miss  de  Haldimar,  Francois  the  Canadian,  and  one  to  whom  we  all 
owe  our  lives,"  hurriedly  returned  the  officer ;  "  and  you  may  add,"  he  con- 
tinued gloomily,  "the  corpse  of  my  sister.  But  while  we  stand  in  parley  hwe, 
we  are  lost:  Lawson  fly  to  my  father,  and  tell  him  we  wait  for  entrance." 

With  nearly  the  speed  enjoined  the  adjutant  departed.  Scarcely  a  minnle 
elapsed  when  he  again  stood  upon  the  rampart,  and  advancing  closely  to  the 
major,  whispered  a  few  words  in  his  ear. 

vroed  God !  can  it  be  possible  1  When  ?  How  came  this  ?  but  we  will 
enquire  later.  Open  the  gate ;  down  with  the  bridge,  Leslie,"  addressing  the 
officer  of  the  guard. 

The  command  was  instantly  obeyed.  The  officers  flew  to  receive  the  fugi- 
tives ;  and  as  the  latter  crossed  the  drawbridge,  the  light  of  a  lantern,  that  had 
been  brought  from  the  guard-room,  flashed  full  upon  the  harassed  counte- 
nances of  Captain  and  Miss  de  Haldimar,  Franfois  the  Canadian,  and  the  de- 
voted Oucanasta. 

Silent  and  melancholy  was  the  greeting  that  took  place  between  the  parties : 
the  voice  spoke  not ;  the  hand  alone  was  eloquent ;  but  it  was  in  the  eloquence 
of  sorrow  only  that  it  indulged.  Pleasure,  even  in  this  almost  despaired  of 
re-union,  could  not  be  expressed ;  and  even  the  eye  shrank  from  mutual  en- 
counter, as  if  its  very  glance  at  such  a  moment  were  sacrilege.  Recalled  to  a 
sense  of  her  situation  by  the  preparation  of  the  men  to  raise  the  bridge,  11m 
Indian  woman  was  the  first  to  break  the  silence. 


260 


WACOUSTA,  OB,  THE  PEOPTTECT. 


"  The  Sagranaw  is  safe  within  h;s  fort  and  the  ^rl  of  the  pale  Ikces  will  Uj 
her  head  upon  his  bosom,"  she  remarked  soJemiy.  "  Oucanasta  will  go  to  bar 
•olitary  wigwam  amone;  the  red  skitts." 

The  heait  of  Madeline  de  Haldimar  was  oppressed  by  the  weight  of  many 
griefs ;  yet  she  could  not  see  the  generous  preserver  of  her  life,  and  the  rescueT 
of  the  body  of  her  ill-fated  cousin  depart  without  emotion.  Drawing  a  ring 
of  some  value  and  great  beauty,  from  her  finger,  which  she  had  more  than 
once  observed  the  Indian  to  admire,  she  placed  it  on  her  hand ;  and  then 
throwing  herself  on  the  bosom  of  the  faithful  creature,  embraced  her  with 
deep  manifestations  of  affection,  but  without  uttering  a  word. 

Oucanasta  was  sensibly  gratified ;  she  raised  her  large  eyes  to  heaven  as  if 
in  thankfulness ;  and  by  the  light  of  the  lantern,  wliich  fell  upon  her  dark 
but  expressive  countenance,  tears  were  to  be  seen  starting  unbidden  from  their 
source. 

Released  from  the  embrace  of  her  whose  life  she  had  twice  preserved  at 
imminent  peril  to  her  own,  the  Indian  again  prepared  to  depart ;  but  there 
was  another,  who,  like  Madeline,  although  stricken  by  many  sorrows,  could 
not  forego  the  testimony  of  his  heart's  gratitude.  Captain  de  Haldimar,  who 
during  this  short  scene  had  despatched 'a  messenger  to  his  room  for  the  pur- 
pose, now  advanced  to  the  poor  girl,  bearing  a  short  but  elegantly  mounted 
dagger,  which  he  begged  her  to  deliver  as  a  token  of  friendship  to  the  young 
chief  her  brother.  He  then  dropped  on  one  knee  at  her  feet,  and  raising  he? 
hand,  pressed  it  fervently  against  his  heart;  an  action  which,  even  to  the  un- 
tutored mind  of  the  Indian,  bore  evidence  only  of  the  feeling  that  prompted 
it.    A  heavy  sigh  escaped  her  laboring  chest  j  and  as  the  officer  now  rOse  and 

auitted  her  hand,  she  turned  slowly  and  with  dignity  from  him,  and  crossing* 
lie  drawbridge,  was  in  a  few  minutes  lost  in  the  surrounding  gloom. 
Our  readers  have  doubtless  anlicipated  the  communication  made  to  Major 
Blackwater  by  the  Adjutant,  Lawson.  Bowed  down  to  the  dust  by  the  ao- 
complishment  of  the  cm-se  of  Ellen  Halloway,  the  inflexibility  of  Colonel  de 
Haldimar's  pride  was  not  proof  against  the  utter  annihilation  wrought  to  hia 
hopes  as  a  father  by  the  unrelenting  hatred  of  the  enemy  his  early  falsehood 
And  treachery  ha«l  raised  up  to  him.  When  the  adjutant  entered  his  apart- 
ment, the  stony  coi  Iness  of  his  cheek  attested  he  had  been  dead  for  some 
hours. 

We  pass  over  the  few  days  of  bitter  trial  that  succeeded  to  the  restoration 
of  Captain  de  Haldimar  and  his  bride  to  their  friends ;  days  during  which  were 
consigned  to  the  same  grave  the  bodies  of  the  governor,  his  lamented  children, 
and  the  Fcarcely  less  regretted  Sir  Everard  Valletort.  The  funeral  sci-vice  was 
attempted  by  Captain  Blessington  j  but  the  strong  affection  of  that  excellent 
officer,  for  three  of  the  defunct  parties  at  least,  was  not  armed  against  the 
trial.  He  had  undertaken  a  task  far  beyond  his  strength ;  and  scarcely  had 
eommenced,  ere  he  was  compelled  to  relinquish  the  »  erformance  of  the  rituai 
to  the  adjutant.  A  large  grave  had  been  dug  close  under  the  rampart,  and 
near  the  fatal  flag-staffj  to  receive  the  bodies  of  their  deceased  friends  j  and, 
M  they  were  lowered  successively  into  their  last  earthly  resting  place,  tears 
fcll  unrestrainedly  over  the  bronzed  cheeks  of  the  oldest  soldiers,  while  many 
»  female  sob  blended  with  and  gave  tuucnmg  solemnity  to  the  scene. 

On  the  morning  of  the  third  day  from  this  quadruple  interment,  notice  was 
given  by  one  of  the  sentinds  that  an  Indian  was  approaching  the  forti  making 


WACOTTSTA,  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


go  tobiir 

t  of  many 
he  rescue? 
ing  a  ring 
more  than 
and  then 
her  with 

eaven  as  if 
her  dark 
from  their 

reserved  at 

but  there 

■ows,  could 

limar,  who 

ir  the  pur- 

y  mounted 

the  young 

raising  her 

to  the  un« 

prompted 

w  rose  and 

id  crossing; 

tn. 

[e  to  Major 
by  the  ac- 
Colonel  de 
ught  to  his 
y  falsehood 
i  his  apart- 
d  for  some 

restoration 
rt'hich  were 
3d  children, 
sci-vice  was 
it  excellent 
against  the 
larcely  had 
F  the  rituai 
niparc,  and 
ends}  and, 
place,  tears 
rhile  many 

»e.   .,..,,, 
,  notice  #ta 
)rti  making 


261 


signs  as  if  in  demand  for  a  parley.    The  officers,  headed  l.y  [Major  Black >vater 
now  become  the  commandant  of  the  place,  immediately  ascended  the  rampart 
when  the  stranger  was  at  once  recognized  by  (JaptaiM  de  Ilaldimar  for  the 
young  Ottawa,  the  preserver  of  his  life,  and  the  avenger  of  the  deaths  of 
thOiK.  they  mourned,  in  whose  girdle  was  thrust,  in  seeming  pride,  tho  richly 
mounted  dagger  that  oflBcer  had  caused  to  be  conveyed  to  him  throa"-h  his 
no  lees  generous  sister.    A  long  conference  ensued,  in  the  language  of  the 
OttaWiW  between  the  parties  just  named,  the  purport  of  which  was  of  high 
momeui  to  the  garrison,  now  nearly  reduced  to  the  last  extremity.    The 
yoang  C  ief  had  come  to  apprise  them,  that,  won  by  the  noble  conduct  of  th« 
Knglish,  in  a  late  occasion,  when  his  warriors  were  wholly  m  their  power 
Pi^ntsac  had  expressed  a  generous  determination  to  conclwle  a  peace  witri  ine 
nrrison,  and  henceforth  to  consider  them  as  his  friends.    This  he  had  publicly 
declared  in  a  large  council  of  the  chiefs,  held  the  preceding  night ;  and  the 
motive  of  the  Ottawa's  coming  was  to  assure  the  English,  that,  on  this  occa- 
sion, their  great  leader  was  perfectljr  sincere  in  a  resolution,  at  which  he  had 
the  more  readily  arrived,  now  that  his  terrible  coadjutor  and  vindictive  adviser 
v.'as  no  more.    lie  prepared  them  for  the  coming  of  Ponteac  und  the  principal 
chiefs  of  the  league  to  demand  a  council  on  the  morrow ;  and,  with  this  final 
communication,  again  withdrew. 

The  Ottawa  was  right.  "Within  a  week  from  that  period  the  English  were 
to  be  seen  once  more  issuing  from  their  fort ;  and,  although  many  months 
elapsed  before  the  wounds  of  their  suffering  hearts  were  healed,  still  were 
they  grateful  to  Providence  for  their  final  preservation  from  a  doom  that  had 
fallen,  without  exception,  on  every  fortress  on  the  line  of  frontier  in  which 
they  lay. 

Time  rolled  on ;  and,  in  the  course  of  years,  Oucanasta  might  be  seen  asso- 
ciating with  and  bearing  curious  presents,  the  fruits  of  Indian  ingenuity,  to 

the  daughters  of  De  Ilaldimar,  now  become  the  colonel  of  the regiment , 

while  her  brother,  the  chief,  instructed  his  sons  in  the  athletic  and  nctive  exte^ 
dses  peculiar  to  his  I'ace.  As  for  poor  Elkn  Hallo  way,  seiffch  had  been  mc4( 
l>r  her.  bat  she  never  was  heard  of  aftem  vds. 


li 


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Price  per  volume,  only 
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POLLARD  &  MOSS, 
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!•  Allan  l|natennalii.    Haggard.    3.  King  Solomon's  mines.    Hag^rd. 

8.  Sliet  jV  Mystery.    Haggard.    4*  East  liynno.    By  Mr<  Henry  Wood. 

5.  A  modern  €lrce.   By  the  '^  Dnchcss."    6.  Robinson  Crusoe.    D.  Dc  Fo«. 
T*  Pilgrim's  Progress.    Bunyan.    8.  Lays  of  Aneleut  Rome.   Macaulay. 

9.  Paul  and  Virginia.    By  St.  Pierre. 

10.  liay  of  the  Last  llllnstrel,  Iflarmlon,  and  Lady  of  tbe  Lake* 

11.  History  of  rbarlos  XII.    VoUalre.    12.  Life  of  Nelson.    Soathey. 
13*  Classic  Tales.  Maria  Edgoworth.    14.  Vicar  of  Wakefield.  Goldemitb. 
15.  Tlie  Usurper.    Jndith  Oautler.    16.  Dr.  Jacob.    M.  B.  Edwards. 

.17.  Realities  of  Irish  Life.    W.  S.  Trench.    18.  My  Marriage. 
19.  liOve'B  Madness.  Matbildc  Blind.    20.  The  Rose  Garden.   Mi^sPeard 
21.  Unawares.    MissPenrd.    22.  The  Squire's  Daughter.    Miss  Peard. 
33.  The  Crime  of  Chance.    Miss  Pcard.    24.  Trench's  Wives. 

35.  Dickens'  Child's  History  of  England. 

36.  IrTlng's  Sketch-Rook.    27.  Christmas  Tales.  Dickens. 

38.  30)000  Leagues  Under  the  Sea.    By  Jules  Verne. 

39.  The  Fur  Country.    Verne.    30.  Five  Weeks  In  a  Ralloon.  VeriM. 

81.  The  Mysterious  Island.    By  Jules  Verne. 

82.  Tour  of  the  World  in  80  Days.    By  Jalps  Verne. 

83.  Great  Expectations.    Dickens.    34.  Oliver  Twist.    Dickens, 

85.  The  Scottish  Chiefs.    Porter.    36.  Tliaddeus  of  Warsaw,    Porter 

87.  Children  of  the  Abbey.    By  R.  M.  Roche. 

'88.  The  Uncommercial  Traveller.    By  Charlea  Dickens. 

89.  Arabian  Nights'  Entertainments.    40.  Jane  Eyre.    Broirte. 

41.  Old  Cariosity  Shop.    Dickens.    42.  Ivanhoe.    Sir  Walter  Scott. 

43.  Christmas  Stories.    By  Charles  Dickens. 

44.  I<ast  of  the  Mohicans.    By  J.  Fenimore  Cooper. 

45.  John  Halifax,  Gentleman.    By  Mies  Malock. 

46.  Uarda.    By  George  Ebers. 

47.  A  Tale  of  Two  Cities.    By  Charles  Dickens. 

48.  Bomola.    By  George  EMot. 

49.  Christmas  Books.    B;* 
60.  JBsop's  Fables. 


ur^es  Dickens. 


/ 


\y 


ii      M 


t ..,: 


nil' ! 


51.  Rosslan  Falrjr  Talcs. 

52.  Hanflr»s  Fairjr  Tale*.    Translated  by  B.  L.  Stowell.    Illaitratei. 
58.   Grimm's  Popular  Tale*. 

A4.    Tho  Red  Camolla}  or,  The  Chevalier  Casfe-roa.   By  Fortune  Da  Bollgobcy. 

66.  Tho  Soarcb  for  Ancestors.    By  Furtunc  Da  fio.egober. 
60.    Barnaby  Rudse.    Hy  Charloii  Dickens. 

67.  Edtvln  Drood.    By  CharloH  Dickons. 

68.  Andersen's  Fairy  Tales. 
60.    Gulliver's  Travels. 

60.  The  SwIms  Family  Robinson. 

61.  Last  Days  of  Pompcll. 
^  62.    Plcclola  and  Vndlne. 

63.  Rassi'Ias.    By  Dr.  Johiuon. 

64.  A  Terrible  Temptation.    By  Chnrica  Reade. 

65.  Sketclios  by  Boz.    By  Charles  Dickon?. 

60.    As  In  a  Ijooklng-Glass.     (It  la  upon  this  novel  Mrs.  Lanfi^ry's  play  is  baaed.) 

67.  Tbo  Book  of  Pralxe.    Belcctedaud  Arrauced  by  Roundell  Palmer. 

68.  American  and  Italian  Notes.    By  Charles  Dickons. 

69.  Old  Christmas.    By  VVashington  Irving. 

70.  Lalitte;  or,  The  Pirate  of  the  Gulf.    By  Prof.  J.  II.  In^aham. 

71.  Theodore,  €hlld  of  the  Sea;  Adopt*  d  Son  of  Lafltte.    By  J.  H.  lograhalll. 

72.  George  Barnwell.    A  Novel.    By  T.  S.  Surr. 

73.  Hard  Times.    By  Charles  Dlckcnf. 

74.  Christine ;  or,  Woman's  Trials  and  Triumphs.    By  Lnnra  J.  Cnrtis. 
76.    CamlUo  ;  or,  The  Fate  of  a  Coqnette.    By  Alexandre  Dumas. 

76.  Our  Cousin  Veronica.    By  Miss  M.  E.  Wortncl.  y. 

77.  The  Tenant  House;  or,  Embers  from  Poverty's  Hearthstone. 

78.  Iflasanlello  J  or,  The  Fisherman's  League.    By  Alexandre  Dumaa. 

79.  Hot  Corn ;  or.  Street  Scenes  of  New  York  City  Life.    By  Solon  Bobinaon. 

80.  Wacousta;  or,  The  Prophecy.    By  Maj.  Richardson. 

81.  matilda  IVIontgomerte;  or.  The  Pi  ophccyFallllled.    By  M^).  Richardaon. 

82.  Tom  Bro-wn's  School-Days.    By  Thoma«<  Hughes. 

83.  Eearte;  or.  The  Salons  of  Paris.    By  Mnj.  Richardson. 

84.  Canonbury  House;  or,  The  Queen's  Prophecy.    By  O.  W.  M.  Reynolda. 
86.    Ada  Arundel ;  or.  The  Secret  Corridor.    By  G.  W.  M.  Beynolds. 

86.  Olivia;  or.  The  Maid  of  Honor,    By  O.  VV.  M.  Reynolds. 

87.  Hardsicrabble;  or,  TheFall  of  Chicar;o.    By  Major  Richardson. 

88.  The  Itllser's  IVIU ;  or.  The  Doom  of  the  Poit<oner.    By  G.  W.  M.  Reynolda. 

89.  The  Beggar  of  Nlmes.    A  Novel  of  exciting  interest.    By  Alex.  ]>umas. 

90.  The  Creole  Wife;  or,  Secret  Begitter  of  the  Prefect  of  Police.    By  Oomaa. 
01.    The  Marchioness;  or,  A  Marriage  by  Will.    By  Octave  Feuillet. 

92.    Kdlth  Dayton.    A  Novel.    By  J.  Gordon  Bartlett. 
03.    Scenes  from  the  Note-Book  of  a  Nei¥  York  Surgeon. 
94.    Out  of  the  Streets.    A  Story  of  New  York  City  Life.    By  Charles  Gayler. 
96.    Thackeray's  Ballads  and  Poems.    Illustrated. 

96.  The  Strange  Case  of  Dr.  Jekyll  and  Iflr.  Hyde.    By  R.  L.  Stevenaon. 

97.  Rlvlngston ;  or.  The  Young  Ilassar.    By  Prof  J.  H.  Irgraham.  •» 

98.  Captain  Kyd;  or.  The  Wizard  of  the  Seas.    By  Prof.  J.  H.  Ingrabam. 

99.  Kate  Penrose ;  or.  Life  and  its  Lessons.    By  Mrs.  Hnbheck. 

100.  Jessie  Cameron.    A  Highland  Story.    By  Lady  Rachel  Butler. 

101.  Rebels  and  Tories;  or.  The  Blood  of  the  Mohawk.    By  J.  F.  Cooper. 

102.  The  Count's  Niece;  or.  The  Veteran  of  Marengo.    By  Paul  Preston. 

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